Claims:1. A forked flume segment (10) for a waterslide comprises:
a flume slide entrance (20) configured to receive at least one flume slide entry element (30) configured to launch at least one of a rider, a sliding object or a combination thereof with a pre-defined momentum into the forked flume segment;
at least two flume slide exits (50), wherein the at least two flume slide exits (50) lead into a first flume slide exit element (60) and a second flume slide exit element (70) respectively, wherein the first flume slide exit element (60) and the second flume slide exit element (70) are mechanically coupled to the at least one flume slide entry element (30) via an intermediate flume slide element (80); and
a gate (90) mechanically coupled to an actuating device (185), wherein the gate (90) is configured to guide at least one of the rider, the sliding object or a combination thereof towards one of the at least two flume slide exits (50) upon actuation of the gate (90) by the actuating device (185), wherein the actuating device (185) is located in between the first flume slide exit element (60) and the second flume slide exit element (70).
2. The forked flume segment (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the forked flume segment (10) comprises the at least one flume slide entry element (30), the first flume slide exit element (60) and the second flume slide exit element (70) each inclined at a pre-defined entry element angle, a first pre-defined exit element angle and a second pre-defined exit element angle respectively.
3. The forked flume segment (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the forked flume segment (10) comprises one or more feedback sensors (100) configured to check for a position of the gate (90) upon actuation of the gate (90) by the actuating device (185).
4. The forked flume segment (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gate (90) is mechanically coupled to the actuating device (185) via a rotary shaft (180).
5. The forked flume segment (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a shape of the gate (90) is symmetrically aligned with respect to the intermediate flume slide element (80).
6. The forked flume segment (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation of the gate (90) by the actuating device (180) comprises rotation of the gate (90) about the rotary shaft (180).
7. The forked flume segment (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the forked flume segment (10) comprises a pump system to pump water to an entrance of a waterslide entry segment (35) for the water to flow down in the waterslide entry segment (35), the at least one flume slide entry element (30), the intermediate flume slide element (80), the first flume slide exit element (60), the second flume slide exit element (70), a first waterslide exit segment (84) and a second waterslide exit segment (88).
8. A method (230) for forming a forked flume segment for a waterslide, wherein the method (230) comprises:
forming a flume slide entrance configured for receiving at least one flume slide entry element, wherein the at least one flume slide entry element is configured to launch at least one of a rider, a sliding object or a combination thereof with a pre-defined momentum into the forked flume segment; (240)
forming at least two flume slide exits leading into a first flume slide exit element and a second flume slide exit element respectively; (250)
mechanically coupling the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element to the at least one flume slide entry element via an intermediate flume slide element; (260) and
mechanically coupling a gate to an actuating device, wherein the gate is configured to guide at least one of the rider, the sliding object or a combination thereof towards one of the at least two flume slide exits upon actuating the gate by the actuating device, wherein the actuating device is located in between of the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element (270).
9. The method (230) as claimed in claim 8, wherein mechanically coupling the gate to the actuating device comprises mechanically coupling the gate to the actuating device via a rotary shaft.
10. The method (230) as claimed in claim 8, wherein mechanically coupling the gate to the actuating device comprises the gate comprising a shape being symmetrically aligned with respect to the intermediate flume slide element.
11. The method (230) as claimed in claim 8, wherein actuating the gate by the actuating device comprises rotating of the gate about the rotary shaft.

Dated this 20th day of July 2020

Signature
Vidya Bhaskar Singh Nandiyal
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2912)
Agent for the Applicant

, Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of a present invention relate to waterslides, and more particularly, to a forked flume segment for a waterslide.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A water slide is an amusement device designed for warm weather at water parks. A typical water slide uses a pump system to pump water to the top which is then allowed to freely flow down the surface of the water slide. The flumes of the water slides are typically made of fiberglass or plastic and are supported by structural components typically made of steel. Conventionally, water slides have become indispensable fun tools, especially in seaside resorts and amusement/ recreational parks. Water slides differ in their riding method and size and hence there are multiple types of water slides such as straight slides, looping slides, oscillating slides, bowl slides, and the like. However, the existing water slides use a single ride path throughout the entire length of the water slide from start to finish and a rider on the water slide is aware of the nature of the ride path, thereby limiting an element of thrill to only the physical experience of the ride and rider may get bored of the ride.
[0003] Hence, there is a need for an improved forked flume segment for a waterslide which addresses the aforementioned issues.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0004] In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a forked flume segment for a waterslide is provided. The forked flume segment includes a flume slide entrance. The flume slide entrance is configured to receive at least one flume slide entry element. The at least one flume slide entry element is configured to launch or transport at least one of a rider, a sliding object, or a combination thereof with a pre-defined momentum into the forked flume segment. Further, the forked flume segment also includes at least two flume slide exits. The at least two flume slide exits lead into a first flume slide exit element and a second flume slide exit element, respectively. The first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element are mechanically coupled to the at least one flume slide entry element via an intermediate flume slide element. Further, the forked flume segment includes a gate mechanically coupled to an actuating device. The gate is configured to guide at least one of the rider, the sliding object, or a combination thereof towards one of the at least two flume slide exits upon actuation by the actuating device. The actuating device is located in between the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element.
[0005] In accordance with another embodiment, a method for forming a forked flume segment for a waterslide is provided. The method includes forming a flume slide entrance configured for receiving at least one flume slide entry segment. The at least one flume slide entry segment is configured to launch at least one of a rider, a sliding object, or a combination thereof with a pre-defined momentum into the forked flume segment. The method also includes forming at least two flume slide exits leading into a first flume slide exit element and a second flume slide exit element, respectively. Further, the method also includes mechanically coupling the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element to the at least one flume slide entry element via an intermediate flume slide element. Further, the method also includes mechanically coupling a gate to an actuating device, wherein the gate is configured to guide at least one of the rider, the sliding object or a combination thereof towards one of the at least two flume slide exits upon actuating the gate by the actuating device, wherein the actuating device is located in between of the at least two flume slide exits.
[0006] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a top view of a forked flume segment of a waterslide in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a side view of a forked flume segment of a waterslide in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 3 (a) is a schematic representation of a top view of the gate of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 (b) is a schematic representation of a front view of the gate of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0011] FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for forming a forked flume segment of a waterslide in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0014] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0015] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
[0016] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0017] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a forked flume segment for a waterslide. The forked flume segment includes a flume slide entrance. The flume slide entrance is configured to receive at least one flume slide entry element. The at least one flume slide entry element is configured to launch or transport at least one of a rider, a sliding object, or a combination thereof with a pre-defined momentum into the forked flume segment. Further, the forked flume segment also includes at least two flume slide exits. The at least two flume slide exits lead into a first flume slide exit element and a second flume slide exit element, respectively. The first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element are mechanically coupled to the at least one flume slide entry element via an intermediate flume slide element. Further, the forked flume segment includes a gate mechanically coupled to an actuating device. The gate is configured to guide at least one of the rider, the sliding object, or a combination thereof towards one of the at least two flume slide exits upon actuation by the actuating device. The actuating device is located in between the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a top view of a forked flume segment (10) for a waterslide in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The forked flume segment (10) includes a flume slide entrance (20), wherein the flume slide entrance (20) receives at least one flume slide entry element (30). In one embodiment, the at least one flume slide entry element (30) receives a waterslide entry segment (35) via an entrance transition flume element (40). In such embodiment, an entrance cross-section of the entrance transition flume element (40) matches with the entrance cross-section of the waterslide entry segment (35). Thus, in such embodiment, the entrance transition flume element (40) with a different cross-section can be used in conjunction with the at least one flume slide entry element (30) depending upon the cross-section of the waterslide entry segment (35). The at least one flume slide entry segment (30) launches or transports at least one of a rider, a sliding object, or a combination thereof with a pre-defined momentum into the forked flume segment (10). In one embodiment the sliding object includes a boat, a raft, a tube, or the like, wherein the sliding object carries the rider and slides along the forked flume segment (10).
[0019] Further, the forked flume segment (10) also includes at least two flume slide exits (50), wherein the at least two flume slide exits (50) lead into a first flume slide exit element (60) and a second flume slide exit element (70) respectively. Further, the first flume slide exit element (60) and the second flume slide exit element (70) are mechanically coupled to the at least one flume slide entry element (30) via an intermediate flume slide element (80). Further, in one embodiment, the first flume slide exit element (60) leads into a first waterslide exit segment (84) and the second flume slide exit element (70) leads into a second waterslide exit segment (88). In such embodiment, an exit cross-section of the first flume slide exit segment (60) matches with the entrance cross-section of the first waterslide exit segment (84). In another embodiment, the exit cross-section of the second flume slide exit segment (70) matches with the entrance cross-section of the second waterslide exit segment (88).
[0020] Furthermore, the forked flume segment (10) includes a gate (90) mechanically coupled to an actuating device (not shown in FIG. 1). The gate (90) guides at least one of the rider, the sliding object, or a combination thereof towards one of the at least two flume slide exits (50) upon actuation of the gate (90) by the actuating device. The actuating device is located in between the first flume slide exit element (70) and the second flume slide exit element (80). In one embodiment, the forked flume segment (10) includes one or more feedback sensors (100), wherein the one or more feedback sensors (100) check for a position of the gate (100) upon actuation of the gate (100) by the actuating device.
[0021] Moreover, the forked flume segment (10) includes a pump system (not shown in FIG. 1) to pump water to an entrance of the waterslide entry segment (35) for the water to flow down in the waterslide entry segment (35), the at least one flume slide entry element (30), the intermediate flume slide element (80), the first flume slide exit element (60), the second flume slide exit element (70), the first waterslide exit segment (84) and the second waterslide exit segment (88). In such embodiment, the flow of the water is required to reduce friction when at least one of the rider, the sliding object, or a combination thereof is sliding in the waterslide.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a side view of the forked flume segment (10) for the waterslide in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the flume slide entry element (30) is elevated at a pre-defined entry element height. In one embodiment, the flume slide entry element (30) is inclined at a pre-defined entry element angle. In one embodiment, the at least one flume slide entry element (30) includes a flume sliding entry surface (110) for one of the rider, the sliding object, or a combination thereof to slide into the forked flume segment. In one embodiment, the pre-defined entry element angle at which the flume slide entry element (30) is inclined includes an angle needed to provide at least one of the rider, the sliding object, or a combination thereof a downward push with the pre-defined momentum. In one embodiment, the entrance transition flume element (40) includes an entrance transition flume sliding surface (120) for one of the rider, the sliding object, or a combination thereof to slide forward. In another embodiment, the pre-defined entry element angle at which the flume slide entry element (30) is inclined includes zero degree, when at least one of the rider, the sliding object, or a combination thereof already enter with the pre-defined momentum.
[0023] In one embodiment, the first flume slide exit element (60, FIG. 1) is elevated at a first pre-defined exit element height. In one embodiment, the first flume slide exit element (60, FIG. 1) is inclined at a first pre-defined exit element angle. In such embodiment, the first pre-defined exit element angle at which the first flume slide exit element (60, FIG. 1) is inclined includes an angle needed to provide at least one of the rider, the sliding object or a combination thereof a downward sliding motion with the pre-defined momentum. In another embodiment, the first pre-defined exit element angle at which the first flume slide exit element (60, FIG. 1) is inclined includes zero degree, when at least one of the rider, the sliding object or a combination thereof already enter with the pre-defined momentum. In one embodiment, the first flume slide exit element (60, FIG. 1) includes a first flume sliding exit surface (not shown in FIG. 2) for at least one of the rider, the sliding object or a combination thereof to slide forward.
[0024] Further, in one embodiment, the second flume slide exit element (70) is elevated at a second pre-defined exit element height. In one embodiment, the second flume slide exit element (70) is inclined at a second pre-defined exit element angle. In such embodiment, the second pre-defined exit element angle at which the second flume slide exit element (70) is inclined includes an angle needed to provide at least one of the rider, the sliding object, or a combination thereof a downward sliding motion with the pre-defined momentum. In another embodiment, the second pre-defined exit element angle at which the second flume slide exit element (70) is inclined includes zero degree, when at least one of the rider, the sliding object, or a combination thereof already enter with the pre-defined momentum. In one embodiment, the second flume slide exit segment (70) includes a second flume sliding exit surface (130) for at least one of the rider, the sliding object, or a combination thereof to slide forward.
[0025] In one embodiment, the intermediate flume slide element (80) is elevated at a pre-defined intermediate element height and inclined at a pre-defined intermediate element angle. In such embodiment, the pre-defined intermediate element angle at which the intermediate flume slide element (80) is inclined includes an angle needed to provide at least one of the rider, the sliding object, or a combination thereof a forward push with the pre-defined momentum. In one embodiment, the intermediate flume slide element (80) is modular, and several flume sub-elements are assembled to get the intermediate flume slide element (80).
[0026] In such embodiment, the several flume sub-elements include multiple intermediate flume slide sub-elements including multiple intermediate flume sliding surfaces (135) and multiple intermediate flume overhead covering sub-elements (140), thereby providing the intermediate flume slide element (80) an enclosed structure. In one embodiment, the enclosed structure resembles a Y shape, wherein the intermediate flume slide element (80) leads into the first flume slide exit element (60, FIG. 1) and the second flume slide exit element (70) respectively via the at least two flume slide exits (50). In one exemplary embodiment, material used to form the forked flume segment (10) of the waterslide includes a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP).
[0027] FIG. 3 (a) is a schematic representation of a top view of the gate (90) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In continuation of the above-described gate (90), the forked flume segment (10) also includes the gate (90) mechanically coupled to the actuating device (not shown in FIG. 3 (a)). The gate (90) guides at least one of the rider, the sliding object, or a combination thereof towards one of the at least two flume slide exits (50, FIG. 1) upon actuation of the gate (90) by the actuating device. In one embodiment, the gate (90) is mechanically coupled to the actuating device via a rotary shaft (not shown in FIG. 3 (a)). In one embodiment, the gate (90) upon rotation about the rotary shaft reaches either position A (150) or position B (155), thereby guiding at least one of the rider, the sliding object or a combination thereof towards one of the at least two flume slide exits (50, FIG. 1) upon actuation of the gate (90) by the actuating device. In such embodiment, a time taken by the gate (90) for rotation between the position A (150) and the position B (155) is fixed for every rotation.
[0028] In one embodiment, the material used to form the gate (90) includes the FRP and the gate (90) includes a shape which is symmetrically aligned with respect to the intermediate flume slide element (80, FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the gate (90) includes a first end (160) and a second end (165). In one embodiment, the gate (90) has a round-shaped body (170) at the first end (160), wherein the first end (160) of the gate (90) is mounted on the rotary shaft.
[0029] Further, FIG. 3 (b) is a schematic representation of a front view of the gate (90) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In continuation of the above-described gate (90), the forked flume segment (10) also includes the gate (90), wherein the first end (160) of the gate (90) is mounted on the rotary shaft (180). Further, in one embodiment, the rotary shaft (180) is integrally mounted such that the rotary shaft (180) transmits a rotating torque to the gate (90). In such embodiment, the actuation of the gate (90) by the actuating device (185) includes rotation of the gate (90) about the rotary shaft (180).
[0030] In one embodiment, the rotary shaft (180) is mounted in between at least two bearings, wherein the at least two bearings include an upper bearing (190) and a lower bearing (200). In one embodiment, the upper bearing (190) is housed within an upper housing (210) and the lower bearing (200) is housed within a lower housing (220), wherein the upper housing (210) and the lower housing (220) are fixed with respect to the gate (90). Further, the actuating device (185) is located in between the first flume slide exit element (70, FIG. 1) and the second flume slide exit element (80, FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the actuating device (185) can generate the rotary torque and the actuating device (185) is driven by one of a pneumatic power, a hydraulic power, an electric power, or a combination thereof.
[0031] In one embodiment, at least one of the rider, the sliding object or a combination thereof is guided towards one of the at least two flume slide exits (50, FIG. 1) upon actuation of the gate (90) by the actuating device (185) via an interactive system (not shown in FIG. 3 (b)). In such embodiment, the interactive system enables the rider or an operator of the waterslide component to choose one of the at least two flume slide exits (50, FIG. 1) before at least one of the rider, the sliding object or a combination thereof enters the waterslide for actuation of the gate (90) by the actuating device (185). In such another embodiment, the interactive system enables the rider or the operator of the waterslide to choose one of the at least two flume slide exits (50, FIG. 1) after at least one of the rider, the sliding object or a combination thereof enters the waterslide for actuation of the gate (90) by the actuating device (185).
[0032] FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (230) for forming a forked flume segment for a waterslide in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (230) includes forming a flume slide entrance for receiving at least one flume slide entry element, wherein the at least one flume slide entry element launches at least one of a rider, a sliding object, or a combination thereof with a pre-defined momentum in step 240. In one embodiment, forming the flume slide entrance for receiving the at least one flume slide entry element includes forming the flume slide entrance for receiving the at least one flume slide entry element, wherein the at least one flume slide entry element receives a waterslide entry segment via an entrance transition flume element.
[0033] In one exemplary embodiment, forming the flume slide entrance for receiving the at least one flume slide entry segment includes elevating the flume slide entry element at a pre-defined entry element height. In another exemplary embodiment, forming the flume slide entrance for receiving the at least one flume slide entry element includes inclining the flume slide entry element at a pre-defined entry element angle.
[0034] The method (230) also includes forming at least two flume slide exits leading into a first flume slide exit element and a second flume slide exit element respectively in step 250. In one embodiment, forming the at least two flume slide exits leading into the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element respectively includes forming the at least two flume slide exits leading into the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element respectively, wherein first flume slide exit element leads into a first waterslide exit segment and the second flume slide exit element leads into a second waterslide exit segment.
[0035] In one exemplary embodiment, forming the at least two flume slide exits leading into the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element respectively includes elevating the first flume slide exit element at a first pre-defined exit element height. In another exemplary embodiment, the at least two flume slide exits leading into the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element respectively includes inclining the first flume slide exit element at a first pre-defined exit element angle.
[0036] Further, in one embodiment, forming the at least two flume slide exits leading into the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element respectively includes elevating the second flume slide exit element at a second pre-defined exit element height. In another exemplary embodiment, forming the at least two flume slide exits leading into the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element respectively includes inclining the second flume slide exit element at a second pre-defined exit element angle.
[0037] The method (230) also includes mechanically coupling the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element to the at least one flume slide entry element via an intermediate flume slide element in step 260. In one embodiment, mechanically coupling the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element to the at least one flume slide entry element via an intermediate flume slide element includes mechanically coupling the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element to the at least one flume slide entry element via an intermediate flume slide element, wherein the intermediate flume slide element being modular, and several flume sub-elements being assembled to get the intermediate flume slide element. In such embodiment, the several flume sub-elements being assembled to get the intermediate flume slide element includes the several flume sub-elements such as multiple intermediate flume slide sub-elements including multiple intermediate flume sliding surfaces and multiple intermediate flume overhead covering sub-elements, thereby providing the intermediate flume slide element an enclosed structure.
[0038] Further, in one embodiment, mechanically coupling the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element to the at least one flume slide entry element via an intermediate flume slide element includes elevating the intermediate flume slide element at a pre-defined intermediate element height. In another exemplary embodiment, mechanically coupling the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element to the at least one flume slide entry element via an intermediate flume slide element includes inclining the intermediate flume slide element at a pre-defined intermediate element angle.
[0039] Furthermore, the method (230) includes mechanically coupling a gate to an actuating device, wherein the gate guides at least one of the rider, the sliding object or a combination thereof towards one of the at least two flume slide exits upon actuating the gate by the actuating device, wherein the actuating device is located in between of the first flume slide exit element and the second flume slide exit element in step 270. In one embodiment, mechanically coupling the gate to the actuating device includes mechanically coupling the gate to the actuating device via a rotary shaft. In such embodiment, mechanically coupling the gate to the actuating device includes the gate including a shape being symmetrically aligned with respect to the intermediate flume slide segment.
[0040] In one embodiment, mechanically coupling the gate to the actuating device via the rotary shaft includes mounting of the first end of the gate on the rotary shaft. In one embodiment, mounting of the first end of the gate on the rotary shaft includes mounting the rotary shaft in between at least two bearings, wherein the at least two bearings include an upper bearing and a lower bearing. In one embodiment, mounting the rotary shaft in between the at least two bearings include housing an upper bearing of the at least two bearings within an upper housing. In another embodiment, mounting the rotary shaft in between the at least two bearings include housing a lower bearing of the at least two bearings within a lower housing.
[0041] In one exemplary embodiment, actuating the gate by the actuating device includes rotating of the gate about the rotary shaft. In such embodiment, rotating of the gate about the rotary shaft includes rotating of the gate about the rotary shaft, wherein the gate has a round body at a first end of the gate. In one embodiment, actuating the gate by the actuating device includes the actuating device being capable of generating a rotary torque.
[0042] In one exemplary embodiment, actuating the gate by the actuating device includes the actuating device being driven by one of a pneumatic power, a hydraulic power, an electric power, or a combination thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, rotating of the gate about the rotary shaft includes rotating of the gate about the rotary shaft for the gate to reach either position A or position B, thereby guiding at least one of the rider, the sliding object or a combination thereof towards one of the at least two flume slide exits.
[0043] Various embodiments of the forked flume segment for the waterslide enables the rider to enjoy a water ride without getting bored as the forked flume segment includes at least two ride paths which the rider may or may not be aware of, thereby increasing the element of thrill.
[0044] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0045] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependant on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.