DESC:Field of Invention:
The invention is in field of water rides for amusement parks. More particularly, the invention relates to a water circulation and streaming device for water based rides for installation in an amusement park.

Background of Invention:
In prior-art water rides, the attraction for the users is essentially constituted by navigating along a water route on board a boat. Most of the water rides involve some mechanism for keeping the water flowing. Some of these mechanisms are active while others are passive.

In case of active mechanism, the water flow is maintained by some kind of driving mechanism, such as centrifugal pump or some other powered equipment which is capable of streaming water. In case of passive mechanism, the streaming of water takes place either due to gravity or natural flowability of water, such as over sloping surfaces or as free fall.

One of the means for streaming water is use of paddler mechanism. Paddler mechanisms are being used for ages to stream water in agricultural as well as water transportation setups. The paddler mechanism essentially comprises of a plurality of paddles which are attached to a cylindrical core piece.

The movement of paddles can be achieved by utilizing the natural flow of water, whereby the paddler mechanism is disposed in a flowing stream of the water. In this case, the kinetic energy of water displaces each paddle which leads to pushing of the paddle away from the stream. As the first paddle is displaced out of the stream, the second paddle takes the place of the displaced first paddle and even the second paddle is subsequently displaced. This cycle continues till the water in the stream is flowing. This configuration is generally employed for power generation, at a very minimal scale or for pumping water from the stream and distributing the water to farm for irrigation through channels. This is a traditional method.
Another application of paddler mechanism is to induce movement in a water vehicle, like a boat. In this case, the paddler mechanism is used for pushing the water to make the vehicle move in the direction opposite to the direction of pushing in water. This usage is very well known in the art. The said mechanism has also been, recently, used for aeration of water, as disclosed in US2011254179.

However, no prior art suggests the paddler mechanism which is configured for inducing streaming of water in a water ride intended for amusement park. Therefore, the current inventors propose this use of paddler mechanism for streaming the water in a water ride.

Summary of Invention:
Accordingly, in an aspect, the invention provides a Water Circulation and streaming device (WCD) for streaming water in a water ride intended for installation in an amusement park. The said device has specific advantage that it reduces power consumption and running cost.

The WCD comprises of a drive mechanism attached to and configured to rotate an axle; and a paddle wheel attached to the axle.

In accordance with the present invention, the paddle wheel comprises of a plurality of blades which are arranged radially and are coupled to a centre piece. The blades are preferably made of carbon fibre, metal, FRP, wood composites or combination thereof.

In accordance with the present invention, the drive mechanism comprises of a drive motor connected to a gear box for running the motor at a desirable RPM. Preferably, the drive motor is an adjustable speed drive.

The WCD of the present invention is applicable in the water-based activities in an amusement park.
The present invention further discloses a water ride system, which comprises of at least one WCD; a sump fluidly connected to an outlet the WCD; a river system carrying a float / boat / floating device suitably connected to an inlet of the WCD and an outlet of the sump.

In accordance with this particular aspect, a partition wall is disposed at suitable position in the river so as to prevent flow of water through its shortest path and/or for preventing reverse flow of water through the sump and/or WCD. An inlet and an outlet are provided to the sump flowing of the river. Optionally, the river is provided with a conveyor belt for controlling the movement of the float in the river like start, stop and continued flow in the river.

In a working mode in this particular aspect, the plurality of blades rotate around the axis of the axle, pushing the water in the direction of their rotation. As a consequence of this, the water is pushed into the sump which is flowably connected to the WCD, through the inlet. As the water is pushed into the sump, equivalent amount of water is displaced from the sump. This displaced water gushes back into river. The gushing of the water through the outlet of the sump induces streaming of the water in the water course or river.

In another aspect, the WCD, in accordance with this invention, is implemented in a wave pool for inducing or generating waves. The said water wave pool comprises at least one WCD for reducing power consumption and running cost; a collection tank in which the WCD is located; and a water drain mechanism.

Brief Description of Drawings:
Fig. 1 illustrates a water course or river for a water ride consisting of a WCD in accordance with current invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates the WCD of Fig. 1 in accordance with one of the embodiments of the invention.
Fig. 3 illustrates a 3D view of the WCD of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention, wherein the river comprises of multitude of WCDs.

Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c illustrate various alternatives for the river based ride as illustrated in Fig. 1.

Figs. 6a and 6b illustrate an embodiment of the invention, whereby the WCD in accordance with current invention is used for generating waves in a wave pool.

Fig. 7 illustrates the device 10 with protective cover 120.

Fig. 8 illustrates the device 10 with additional protection in the form a grill 130.

Detailed Description of the Drawings:
As illustrated in Fig. 1, the water ride in accordance with one embodiment of the invention consists of a water course or river 50 flowably connected to an inlet 11 of WCD 10 at suitable position in the course. The river 50 is further flowably connected to an outlet 22 of a sump 20 at suitable location in the course of the river 50.

The river 50 may optionally include a conveyor belt for moving a float 501 disposed in the river 50. The conveyor belt may be configured to lift the float 501, in case the conveyor is disposed at the position of the station for loading of patrons. Alternatively, the conveyor belt may be configured to pass the float for continuous movement in the course.

Further, a partition wall 40 is disposed at suitable position in the river 50 so as to prevent flow of water through its shortest path and/or for preventing reverse flow of water.
Now, referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, Fig. 2 illustrates the WCD 10. The WCD 10 consists of a drive mechanism 101 which is mechanically connected to axle 103. The drive mechanism 101 is configured for rotating the axle 103.

A paddle wheel 110 is mounted and connected to the axle 103. The connection between the axle 103 and the paddle wheel 110 is, preferably, a solid connection, such that there is minimum movement of the paddle wheel 110 relative to axle 103. The paddle wheel 110 comprises of a plurality of blades 111 which are coupled to a centre piece 112.

As the plurality of blades 111 rotate around the axis of the axle 103, they push the water in the direction of their rotation. As a consequence of which the water is pushed into the sump 20 which is flowably connected to the WCD 10, through inlet 21. As the water is pushed into the sump 20, equivalent amount of water is displaced from the sump 20. This displaced water gushes back into river 50. The gushing of the water through the outlet 22 of the sump 20 induces streaming of the water in the water course or river 50.

The streaming water passively carries the float 501 through the course of water through river 50.

Fig. 4 illustrates a water ride comprising of multitude of WCDs. Eventhough, the figure illustrates a ride comprising two WCDs 10A and 10B. This figure in no way limits the scope of the invention and a river course 50 may comprises three or more WCDs, if desired.

Figs 5a, 5b and 5c illustrate various possible configurations of the river 50 and WCDs 10/10A.

Figs. 6a and 6b illustrate and embodiment of the invention wherein a plurality of WCD 10 and 10A are implanted in a wave pool 60. Said WCDs 10 and 10A are located in collection tank 601. The movement of the paddles induces wave formation in the pool 60. The wave pool 60 is further provided with a water drain mechanism 602.

Fig. 7 illustrates the device 10 with protective cover 120.

Fig. 8 illustrates the device 10 with additional protection in the form a grill 130.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
Described herein is a WCD for streaming water in a water ride intended for installation in an amusement park.

For the purpose of this invention the term “amusement park”, and plurals thereof, includes water parks, Family Entertainment Centres or any other entertainment centres where water rides could be installed.

For the purpose of this invention the term “Water Ride”, and plurals thereof, encompasses water based attractions as well.

For the purpose of this invention term “float” also includes a person, a boat, an inflatable or any other buoyant structure capable of floating over a water stream.

In accordance with one of the aspect demonstrated in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the present invention discloses a Water Circulation and Streaming Device (WCD) 10 for reducing power consumption and running cost. The said device comprises a drive mechanism 101 attached to and configured to rotate an axle 103; and a paddle wheel 110 attached to the axle 103. The drive mechanism 101 comprises of a drive motor connected to a gear box for running the motor at a desirable RPM. The desirable RPM is achieved by employing a variable speed drive in the said drive mechanism 101. The drive mechanism 101 is connected to the axle 103 through a coupling which transmits the power from drive mechanism 101 to the paddle wheel 110.

The paddle wheel 110 comprises of a plurality of blades 111 arranged radially and coupled to a centre piece 112. The blades 111 are covered with protective covering 120 (shown in Figure 8) in order to prevent any possible damage to the blades that may arise at the time of its functioning. The river system is further provided with at least one grills 130 (shown in Figures 7 & 8) to protect the paddle wheel as well as the entire system from any article flowing directly into the system. The plurality of blades 111 which are connected to the centre piece 112 may be manufactured from any suitable material known in the art. Eventhough, the current invention is described with reference to a paddle wheel possessing 6(six) blades disposed radially. It may, however, be noted that the number blades may be varied as per the requirement of ride. The plurality of blades 111 may be made of a material including, but not limited to, carbon fibre, metal, FRP , wood composites or combination thereof.

The entire WCD 10 is secured to the ground through struts 102. The struts 102 are configured for absorbing the vibrations of the WCD 10.

The WCD 10 is made to be employed in a water ride or in a wave pool 60 (Figure 6A and 6B). In this aspect of the invention, a water ride system is disclosed. The said water ride system comprises of at least one WCD 10; a sump 20 fluidly connected to an outlet 12 the device 10; and a river system 50 carrying a float 501 suitably connected to an inlet 11 of the device 10 and an outlet 22 of the sump 20 (demonstrated in Figure 1).

In accordance with this invention, the WCD 10 pushes the water into the sump from inlet 21 and sucks the water from inlet 11 this creates a level difference between the start and end of the river 50. Due to inherent property of water to maintain the uniform level, water gushes to maintain the uniform level and hence the water is circulated and river 50 is streamed. The WCD acts similar to a pump station with far less power consumption and lower running cost.

In an embodiment, the water course consists of a river 50, a float 501 capable of moving freely throughout the course of the river 50. Said river 50 is flowably connected to a WCD 10 through the inlet 11. The WCD 10 is further flowably connected to the sump 20 through inlet 21. The sump 20 is again flowably connected to the river 50.

A conveyer belt is optionally disposed within the course of the river 50 such that, the conveyer can transport the float 501 in absence of the water stream of river 50 over the partition wall and absence of water flow in that area. In an embodiment, the conveyer belt could be disposed diametrically opposite to the WCD 10.

The river 50 further consists of a partition wall 40 disposed at suitable position in the river 50 such that the position of the partition wall 40 suitably prevents back flow of water into the WCD 10 or prevents circulation of water through shortest possible path.

The river 50 is of any desired size and shape, depending on the requirements of the ride. The river 50 consists of a mould or a base which could be fabricated from any civil/rcc construction or any other waterproof material such as fibre glass or plastic or coated wood or coated metal. The width of the river 50 is so determined, such that, a float 501 could easily pass through the entire course of the river 50. The turning points of the river 50 may, preferably, be wider in comparison to rest of the river 50, to facilitate easy movement of the float 501 around the corners.

The float 501, in turn, is moulded in any desired shape as required by the theme of the ride. The float 501 may be manufactured from any buoyant and leak-proof material. Said material could by any material known in the art, including, fibre glass and plastic. The dimensions of the float 501 could be as per the requirement of the ride. In case of presence of conveyor belt, the float may be provided with hooks or latching mechanism so that the float / boat 501 could latch to the conveyer belt and/or with another float. The conveyor section will also have guide rail to channelize the float / boat in a guided path towards the conveyor and outwards from the conveyor.

In accordance with yet another aspect of this invention, the WCD 10 may also be employed in the wave pool 60. The water wave pool 60 comprises at least one WCD 10; a collection tank 601 in which the device 10 is located; and a water drain mechanism 602. The water drain mechanism is adapted for collecting the extra water from the waves of wave pool 60 when it is in operation and directing it to the collection tank 601. The system creates an impact of collection and throwing the water out in the pool forming a wave.

In an embodiment, one or more WCDs 10/10A may be implemented in wave pools for inducing wave generation, by making necessary alterations.

In an alternative embodiment, the sump 20 may be an optional feature.

It may be noted that, eventhough, the invention has been described with reference to a river course comprising single WCD, however, a river course containing multitude of WCD would also fall within the scope of the invention

Advantages of the invention:
1. Reduced power consumption and running cost in water-based activities
2. Reduced Equipment cost, Installation cost as compared to conventional method used in the similar scenario.
,CLAIMS:1. A Water Circulation and Streaming Device 10 to be employed in a water ride having slow moving river or in a wave pool 60 for reducing power consumption and running cost comprising:
a drive mechanism 101 attached to and configured to rotate an axle 103; and
a paddle wheel 110 attached to the axle 103.

2. The device 10 as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the paddle wheel 110 comprises of a plurality of blades 111 arranged radially and coupled to a centre piece 112.

3. The device 10 as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism 101 comprises of a drive motor connected to a gear box for running the motor at a desirable RPM.

4. The device 10 as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the drive motor includes a variable speed drive.

5. The device 10 as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the blades 111 is made of carbon fibre, metal, FRP, wood composites or combination thereof.

6. The device 10 as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the device 10 is covered with protective covering 120.

7. The device 10 as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the device 10 is further provided with struts 102 configured to support & align the axle with the driving motor and absorb vibrations experienced by the device 10.

8. A water ride system comprising:
at least one Water Circulation and Streaming Device 10 for reducing power consumption and running cost;
a river system 50 carrying a float 501 suitably connected to an inlet 11 of the device 10 and an outlet 22 of the sump 20.

9. The system as claimed in Claim 8, wherein a sump 20 is optionally connected an outlet 12 of the device 10.

10. The system as claimed in Claim 9, wherein an inlet 21 and an outlet 22 are provided to the sump 20 flowing of the river 50.

11. The system as claimed in Claim 8, wherein a partition wall 40 is disposed at suitable position in the river 50 so as to prevent flow of water through its shortest path and/or for preventing reverse flow of water through the sump 20 and/or device 10.

12. The system as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the river system is provided with at least one grill 130.

13. A water wave pool 60 comprising :
at least one Water Circulation and Streaming Device 10 for creating waves in the wave pool and effectively reducing power consumption and running cost while generating waves;
a collection tank 601 in which the device 10 is located; and
a water drain mechanism 602.