Ride Vehicle for a Recreational Slide

The present application claims the filing benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/643,092, filed May 6, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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

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

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

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

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

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a ride vehicle configured to support a rider down a non-wet lubricated recreational slide is provided. The ride vehicle includes an elongate body that extends between a first end and an opposite second end. The body includes a flexible central core that is positioned between a top surface of the ride vehicle and at least one layer that forms a bottom surface of the ride vehicle. The at least one layer includes one or more projections that are configured to contact the non-wet lubricated recreational slide. The ride vehicle may include at least one handle attached to the top surface of the ride vehicle.

According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one layer may comprise a unitary sheet of material. For example, the unitary sheet of material may be a polymeric film. In that regard, the at least one layer may comprise one or more of the following: polyethylene terephthalate; polyethylene; ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene; high-density polyethylene; and Nylon. In another aspect, the at least one layer may comprise a composite layer that includes a substrate layer and a layer with the one or more projections. For example, the layer that includes the one or more projections may be a polymeric film.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the at least one layer may include a generally planar outer surface from which the one or more projections project. For example, the one or more projections may comprise a plurality of projections evenly distributed in an array across the at least one layer. In another aspect, the plurality of projections may be spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction and/or a lateral direction to define the array. In one aspect, the one or more projections may comprise a plurality of rounded protrusions. In another aspect, one or more projections may comprise a plurality of pointed protrusions. In yet another aspect, the one or more projections may comprise a plurality of raised elements that are organic in shape.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the one or more projections may comprise a plurality of ridges. For instance, each of the plurality of ridges may extend in a straight path in a longitudinal direction between the first end and the second end of the elongate body of the ride vehicle. Alternatively, each of the plurality of ridges may extend in a sinuous path in a longitudinal direction between the first end and the second end of the elongate body of the ride vehicle. In another aspect, the plurality of ridges may be arranged in parallel.

In another aspect of the invention, the one or more projections may define a projection area of the at least one layer. The projection area may be within a range of between about 10% to about 50% of a total surface area of an outer surface of the at least one layer. For example, the projection area may be within a range of about 50% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the at least one layer. For example, the projection area may be within a range of about 35% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the at least one layer.

According to another aspect of the invention, the ride vehicle may include a carrying handle attached to the top surface of the ride vehicle. The carrying handle may be located in a central region between the first end and the second end of the elongate body of the ride vehicle. For example, when lifted by the carrying handle, the ride vehicle may be configured to fold along a fold edge for carrying. In that regard, the fold edge may be formed in the central region. In another aspect, the carrying handle may be located adjacent the fold edge.

According to one aspect of the invention, the ride vehicle may include a fabric layer that defines the top surface of the ride vehicle. The fabric layer may be neoprene, for example. In another aspect, the at least one layer and the fabric layer may be coupled together to enclose the central core within a cavity formed between the at least one layer and the fabric layer. To that end, the at least one layer and the fabric layer may be stitched together about a periphery of the elongate body of the ride vehicle. In another aspect, the central core may be surrounded by a fabric liner that is positioned between the central core and the fabric layer and the at least one layer.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a recreational slide system is provided. The recreational slide system includes the ride vehicle of any embodiment described above and a slide. The slide includes a slide body with a non-wet lubricated slide surface that extends between a top entrance of the slide and a bottom exit of the slide. A coefficient of friction between the at least one layer of the ride vehicle and the non-wet lubricated slide surface is within a range of between about 0.03 to about 0.2. According to one aspect of the invention, the coefficient of friction may be kinetic coefficient of friction.

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

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a ride vehicle for use with a dry recreational slide, otherwise referred to as a non-wet lubricated slide. Together, the ride vehicle and the slide form a slide system. The ride vehicle is configured to support a rider traveling or descending down the slide and includes a bottom surface, formed by at least one layer of material, that is configured to be positioned between the rider and the slide surface for sliding down the slide. In one embodiment, the at least one layer, otherwise referred to as an underside layer, may be formed of a unitary sheet and/or film of material that includes one or more regular or irregular-shaped projections. These projections are configured to extend outwardly from the underside of the ride vehicle in a direction toward the slide surface to provide the bottom surface of the ride vehicle with a textured or embossed configuration for improved sliding performance.

The projections are configured to interact with the slide surface, resulting in a reduced coefficient of friction between the bottom surface of the ride vehicle and surfaces of the slide compared to a ride vehicle without projections on its underside, for example. That is, the projections reduce the effective surface contact area between the ride vehicle and the slide surface, and further channel airflow between the slide surface and the ride vehicle, both of which contribute to the reduced coefficient of friction therebetween. As a result, the rider is provided with an improved (i.e., fast) rate of descent down the slide. As the rider descends down the slide on the ride vehicle, the bottom surface of the ride vehicle, and in particular the projections, is in contact with the slide surface such that a coefficient of friction at interfaces between surfaces of the bottom surface of the ride vehicle and the slide surface is within a range of between about 0.03 to about 0.2, depending on factors such as a weight of the rider, for example. As used herein relative to the coefficient of friction, “about” is intended to mean +/−10%. These and other aspects of the present invention will be described in further detail below.

As will be understood by a person skilled in the art, the coefficient of friction between the bottom surface of the ride vehicle and the slide surface is the ratio of the frictional force between two surfaces to the normal force pressing the surfaces together. That is, Coefficient of Friction (μ)=Force of Friction (F)/Normal Force (N). The coefficient of friction between the bottom surface of the ride vehicle and the slide surface may be described in terms of both the static and kinetic coefficients of friction.

The coefficient of friction between surfaces of the at least one underside layer that forms the bottom surface of the ride vehicle and the slide surface is determined using the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) Coefficient of Friction ASTM D1894 standard test method (July 2023), which may be used to determine both kinetic (moving) and static (starting) coefficient of friction of one surface being dragged across another. The ASTM D1894 test method can be found at www.astm.org. For the ASTM D1894 test, the material specimen is attached to a sled of defined weight. This sled is pulled across another surface at a speed of 136 mm/minute. The force required to start the sled is measured to get the static friction. The force required to maintain the motion of the sled is measured to get the kinetic friction.

Referring now to the figures,illustrates a slide systemincluding an exemplary non-wet lubricated (i.e., dry lubricated) recreational slideand a ride vehicleconfigured to be positioned between a rider and slide surfaces of the slidefor sliding down the slide. In that regard, the slideincludes a slide bodythat defines a slide surface. The exemplary slide bodyis pre-formed or molded to have a fixed shape and may be formed of a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), such as fiberglass, for example. However, the slide bodymay be formed of other suitable materials such as Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), or other type of moldable thermoplastic material, for example. The slide bodymay further include a dry lubricant material to improve the lubricity of the slide surface, such as the coating described in application Ser. No. 18/349,347 (owned by the Assignee of the present disclosure), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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

With continued reference to, the slideincludes the slide bodywhich extends between a top entranceof the slideto an opposite bottom exitto define a length of the slide. The slide bodyforms a chute that is generally defined by a base walland a pair of opposite sidewallsAs shown, the base wallgenerally defines the slide surfacedown which a rider may slide. The sidewallsserve to contain the rider within the slideas the rider travels down the slidealong the slide surface, but may also form part of the slide surface. The slidemay further include a coverattached to the bodyof the slideadjacent the top entrance. The covercooperates with the slide bodyto form a tunnel through which a rider passes as the rider enters the slideat the top entranceand begins to descend down the slide. The slidemay further include a plurality of supportsconfigured to support the slideabove a mount surface to which the supportsare attached, such as a cement floor, for example. The slidemay also include a mounting flangeat the top entranceof the slidethat is configured to secure the slideto a ladder or tower structure used by riders to access the slide, for example.

In use, a rider enters the slidevia the top entrance, travels down the slide bodyalong the slide surface, and subsequently exits the slideat the bottom exit. In particular, the rider rides down the slideon the ride vehiclewhich is configured to be positioned between the slide surfaceand the rider. The rider may ride down slideon the ride vehicleon their stomach with their head traveling down the slidefirst, for example. As will be described in further detail below, the ride vehicleincludes at least one underside layer including one or more projections that cooperates with the slide surfaceto achieve an improved, i.e., reduced, coefficient of friction therebetween compared to a ride vehiclewithout projections on its underside, for example. As a result of the increased rate of descent down the slide, the rider may be launched from the bottom exitof the slideand into the air for aerial play before landing in a designated landing area (i.e., foam pad, inflatable airbag, etc.).

Referring now to, the ride vehicleis shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The ride vehicle, which may otherwise be referred to as a slide mat or slide board, includes a flexible elongate bodythat extends between a first endand an opposite second endto define a longitudinal length of the ride vehicle. The first endof the bodymay form the front of the ride vehicle, for example. The bodyfurther includes a top surfaceand an opposite bottom surface. The top surfaceis configured to be in contact with a rider and includes a pair of handlesat the first endconfigured to be gripped by the rider. In that regard, the ride vehicleis configured to accommodate a rider lying on their stomach on the top surface, with their head positioned at the first endof the ride vehicleto thereby travel head-first down the slideon the ride vehicle. The pair of handlesmay each be a single, continuous length of material that is attached at both ends to the top surfaceof the ride vehicle, such as by stitching, for example. The bottom surfaceis defined by at least one underside layerof the ride vehiclethat is configured to engage the slide surface, as will be described in further detail below. In one embodiment, the at least one underside layerforms the bottom surfaceof the ride vehicle, and may form the entirety of the bottom surfaceof the ride vehicle. When not in use, such as in a resting position, the bottom surfaceof the ride vehiclemay be generally flat or planar. However, the ride vehicleis configured to flex from the flat, resting configuration, to conform or adapt to the underlying contours of the slide surface, as described in further detail below.

The shape of the bodyof the ride vehicleis generally defined by a flexible central corethat is sandwiched between a top layer, which may be formed of fabric, and the at least one underside layer. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the central coreis generally rectangular in shape. However, the central coreand thus the ride vehiclemay be formed in other shapes, such as polygonal shapes or circular shapes, for example. The central coremay be formed of a flexible material, such as a composite closed cell or open cell foam pad, for example, to provide the ride vehiclewith a semi-rigid or flexible configuration, as may be desired. To that end, the flexible central coreprovides a soft support between the rider and the slidefor comfort, but is also flexible to permit the ride vehicleto be folded upon itself for transport, as well as conform to the underlying contours of the slide surface, as will be described in further detail below.

The top layerforms the top surfaceof the ride vehicleand may be formed of a fabric or synthetic material, such as Neoprene, for example, or any other suitable wear-resistant material. As shown in, the top layerand the underside layermay be coupled together at a seamthat extends about a peripheral sidewallof the ride vehicle. The seammay extend about the entirety of the peripheral sidewall.does not show the seamto better illustrate the construction of the ride vehicle. Returning to, the top layerand the underside layermay be stitched or bonded together about a periphery of the elongate bodyof the ride vehiclethat is defined by the sidewall. In an alternative embodiment, the top layerand the underside layermay be indirectly coupled together, such as via an intermediate connecting member, such as a band of fabric that extends about the sidewallof the ride vehicle, for example. In either case, the underside layerand the top layermay be coupled together to enclose the central corewithin a cavity formed between the underside layerand the top layerof the ride vehicle. The central coremay have a thickness (i.e., measured along a height of the sidewallof the ride vehicle) within a range of about 0.25 inches to about 0.5 inches, for example. The central coremay be enclosed or surrounded with a liner(e.g.,), such as a fabric liner, for increased wear resistance. To this end, the lineris positioned between the central coreand the top layerand the underside layer.

is an enlarged schematic perspective view of a section of the ride vehicle, illustrating the at least one underside layerin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the at least one underside layeris formed of a single sheet of material. The sheet of materialincludes one or more regular or irregular-shaped projectionsthat extend outwardly from the sheet of materialand thus the underside of the ride vehicleto engage the slide surfaceof the slide, as will be described in further detail below. The sheet of materialmay cover the entire underside of the ride vehicle, extending generally to, or beyond, each sidewallof the bodyof the ride vehicle, for example. As such, the sheet of materialforms the at least one underside layerthat defines the bottom surfaceof the ride vehiclethat is configured to be positioned between the rider and the slide surfacefor sliding down the slide. The sheet of materialis free of any additional coatings or applied lubricants.

The sheet of materialmay be coupled to the top layerof the ride vehicleat the seam(e.g.,), as described above. Additionally or alternatively, the sheet of materialmay be coupled, for example, with adhesive, to the central coreor linerof the ride vehicle, if used. As shown in, the at least one underside layer, and in particular the sheet of materialincludes a thickness T measured between a generally planar inner surfaceof the sheet of materialthat is configured to face the central coreand an opposite, generally planar outer surfacethat includes the one or more projections. The thickness of the sheet of materialmay be about 0.125 inches (3.175 millimeters (mm)), for example.

In the embodiment shown, the sheet of materialis a thin, flexible or semi-rigid unitary sheet formed of plastic or polymer, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polyamide (PA or Nylon), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyethylene glycol (PEG), Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polyurethane (PU), Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or other similar engineered plastics and polymers, or combinations thereof, for example. The sheet of materialmay be formed by extrusion, calendaring, molding, or casting processes, for example.

With reference to, the sheet of materialincludes one or more regular or irregular-shaped projections, alternatively referred to as high reliefs, which provide the ride vehiclewith a textured or embossed bottom surface. In that regard, the one or more projectionsextend outwardly from the outer surfaceof the sheet of material, and thus the underside of the ride vehicle, and are configured to interact with the slide surface, resulting in a reduced coefficient of friction between the bottom surfaceof the ride vehicleand the surfaces of the slide. In particular, the projectionsgenerally reduce the surface area of contact between the bottom surfaceof the ride vehicleand the slide surface. This reduction in contact area decreases the friction exerted against the ride vehicleby the slide surface, allowing the ride vehicleand rider to descend more rapidly down the slide.

As shown in, the one or more projectionsmay comprise a plurality of projectionsevenly distributed in an array across the outer surfaceof the sheet of material. The plurality of projectionsare spaced apart from one another in both a longitudinal direction along the sheet of material(i.e., a direction between the first endand the second endof the ride vehicle) and in a transverse lateral direction to form the array. The plurality of projectionsmay be arranged in rows and/or columns, for example. Alternatively, the projectionsmay be randomly distributed along the sheet of material, distributed in groups along the sheet of material, or concentrated in certain areas along the sheet of materialsuch as near the first end, second end, and/or middle of the ride vehicle, for example.

The surface area of the outer surfaceof the sheet of materialmay be defined by a projection area and a planar area. In that regard, the one or more projectionsmay collectively define the projection area of the sheet of material. The remainder of the outer surfaceof the sheet of material, which lacks projections, is generally flat and may define the planar area of the sheet of material. In the embodiment shown, the projection area may be within a range of between about 10% to about 90% of the total surface area of the outer surfaceof the sheet of material. For example, the projection area may be within a range of between about 10% to about 70% of the total surface area of the outer surfaceof the sheet of material, or the projection area may be within a range of between about 10% to about 50% of the total surface area of the outer surfaceof the sheet of material. As another example, the projection area may be within a range of about 35% of the total surface area of the outer surfaceof the sheet of material. As another example, the projection area may be within a range of about 50% of the total surface area of the outer surfaceof the sheet of material.

With reference to, each of the one or more projectionsis in the form of a generally rounded, convex protrusion, or bump, that extends a height from the generally planar outer surfaceof the sheet of material. Each projectionis generally spherical in shape, with a rounded contour on all sides, and may be considered a regular shaped projection. In an alternative embodiment, the projectionsmay be pointed or squared-off protrusions instead of rounded protrusions. The transverse cross-sectional shape of each projectionmay be circular, square, diamond-shaped, or another polygonal or circular shape, for example.illustrates a diamond-shaped projectionthat extends from the outer surfaceof the sheet of materialto a generally pointed terminal end or tip. The projectionsmay be stretched or lengthened in one direction so as to be longer in the lengthwise or widthwise direction relative to the length of the ride vehicle, for example. In any case, the projectionsproject outwardly a height from a generally flat outer surfaceof the sheet of material. The projections may each project a height of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm, and in some instances up to about 4 mm, or up to about 10 mm, or even greater depending on the application. In the embodiment shown, the projectionsare solid. However, in an alternative embodiment, the projectionsmay be open-backed (i.e., open to the interior of the ride vehicle) and have a generally hollow interior. Regardless, the projectionsand the sheet of materialmay be integrally formed as a unitary piece to form the underside layerof the ride vehicle.

The sheet of materialforms the underside layerof the ride vehicleand is a solid, continuous layer without any perforations, holes, or other openings. The sheet of materialhas a defined thickness T that provides both durability and flexibility, allowing the sheet of materialto conform to the shape and bending characteristics of the underlying flexible coreand, in turn, maintain the overall flexibility of the ride vehicle. As a result, the ride vehicleis able to conform to the contour of the slide surfaceduring use, causing the sheet of materialand thus the bottom surfaceof the ride vehicleto directly face and travel over the slide surfaceduring use. For example, the ride vehicleis able to flex along the base walland the pair of opposite sidewallswhile maintaining continuous contact with the slide surface, thereby ensuring that the projectionsremain fully engaged with the slide surfaceto enhance sliding performance. This configuration ensures that the maximum number of projections, and in some cases, all projections, are placed in active engagement with the slide surface. Flexibility of the ride vehiclein this regard ensures that the projectionsmaintain consistent contact with the slide surfaceto thereby reduce resistance during sliding movement, resulting in an overall improved sliding performance characterized by lower friction and greater sliding speed down the slide. The projectionsdo not inhibit either lateral or forward movement of the ride vehiclealong the slide surface, allowing the ride vehicleto move smoothly along the slide surface, including ascending up the sidewallsand descending along the base wall, in response to rider motion and slide geometry.

In comparative testing, ride vehicleswith projectionsdemonstrated a lower kinetic coefficient of friction than otherwise identical ride vehicleswith a solid flat or untextured bottom surface, using identical slidematerials and rider weights. For example, friction tests modeled in accordance with ASTM D1894 using Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) as the sheet of materialwith projectionsand Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) as the slide surfaceyielded kinetic coefficients of friction in the range of about 0.10 to about 0.14. In contrast, when UHMWPE was used as the sheet of materialwith projections, the measured coefficients were lower, ranging from about 0.03 to about 0.10. Tests performed using fiberglass slide surfacesresulted in slightly higher coefficients of friction, in some cases reaching up to about 0.2. Based on these results, the coefficient of friction between the bottom surfaceof the ride vehicleand the slide surfaceaccording to embodiments of the present invention may generally fall within a range of about 0.03 to about 0.2, more preferably within a range of about 0.03 to about 0.15, and most preferably within a range of about 0.03 to about 0.12. These coefficient of friction values demonstrate an enhanced sliding performance, enabling the rider to achieve a high rate of descent along the slide.

Referring now to, where like reference numerals represent like features compared to the embodiment of the ride vehicledescribed above with respect to, an enlarged schematic perspective view of a section of the ride vehicleis shown illustrating the at least one underside layeraccording to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the at least one underside layerof the ride vehiclemay comprise a laminate or composite layer including a substrate layer and an outer layer applied to the substrate layer. That is, the composite layer includes at least two layers. As shown, the substrate layer is the sheet of material, except without the projections. That is, the generally planar outer surfaceof the sheet of materialdoes not include projections. In another embodiment, the substrate layer may be formed of other flexible or semi-rigid materials such as cardboard or foam board, for example. The outer layer is in the form of a filmapplied to the generally planar outer surfaceof the sheet of material. As shown, the filmincludes the one or more projections.

The filmmay be applied to cover the entire generally planar outer surfaceof the sheet of material, for example. Alternatively, the filmmay be applied to only portions of the outer surfaceof the sheet of material. In either case, the filmmay be applied to the sheet of materialusing an adhesive, for example. In the embodiment shown, the substrate layer (i.e., the sheet of materialwithout projections) including the filmmay be coupled to the top layerat the seam. Additionally or alternatively, the sheet of materialmay be coupled, for example, with adhesive, to the central coreor linerof the ride vehicle, if used. In either case, the filmdefines the bottom surfaceof the ride vehiclethat is configured to be positioned between the rider and the slide surfacefor sliding down the slide.

The filmmay be a plastic or polymeric film, formed of various types of polymers or plastics, such as Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyester (PET), Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), Polystyrene (PS), Polyamide (PA or Nylon), Polycarbonate (PC), Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), or Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), for example. The filmincludes a thickness (e.g., measured as shown in) that is less than the thickness T of the substrate layer. The thickness T of the filmis 0.25 mm or less, for example. In this regard, per ASTM D883, the term film is defined as a thin, flexible sheet of plastic having a nominal thickness not greater than 0.25 mm (0.010 inch). If the thickness exceeds 0.25 mm, the material is classified as a sheet rather than a film. According to ASTM D883, a sheet is defined as a flat section of plastic material having a nominal thickness greater than 0.25 mm (0.010 inch). The terms sheet and film as used herein align with the definitions provided in ASTM D883.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one underside layermay comprise the filmalone, without the substrate layer, such as the sheet of materialwithout the projectionsdescribed above. In that regard, the filmmay be coupled to the top layerat the seamto enclose the central corewithin a cavity formed between the film(underside layer) and the top layerof the ride vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the filmmay be coupled, for example, with adhesive, to the central coreor liner, if used.

Turning now with reference to, where like reference numerals represent like features compared to the embodiments of the ride vehicledescribed above with respect to, an enlarged schematic perspective view of a section of the ride vehicleis shown illustrating the at least one underside layeraccording to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the configuration of the one or more projections of the at least one underside layerare in the form of one or more ridges. With respect to, the at least one underside layermay be representative of a sheet of materialincluding the one or more ridges, filmincluding the one or more ridges, or filmincluding the one or more ridgesapplied to the sheet of materialwithout the ridges.

With reference to, the one or more projections are in the form of ridgesthat extend in a straight path longitudinally between the first endand the second endof the elongate bodyof the ride vehicle. As best shown in, each ridgeprojects outwardly a height from the planar outer surfaceof the sheet of materialor filmto a terminal edge. The terminal edgeof each ridgemay be rounded (dull), as shown, or pointed (sharp), for example. Each ridgemay be straight along its length, extending continuously in a straight line between the ends,of the ride vehicle. Each ridgemay extend for the entire length of the underside or bottom surfaceof the ride vehiclebetween the endsand, for example. Alternatively, each ridgemay be divided or segmented along its length into a row of multiple individual ridgesspaced apart in an end-to-end arrangement between the endsandof the ride vehicle. The height of each ridgemay be varied along its length, and one or more of the plurality of ridgesmay have different heights (or lengths). The plurality of ridgesmay be arranged in parallel rows that extend lengthwise between the ends,of the ride vehicle.

illustrates the plurality of ridgesin accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, each of the plurality of ridgesextends in a sinuous or wavy path in a longitudinal direction between the first endand the second endof the elongate bodyof the ride vehicle. That is, each ridgehas a wavy profile along its length. Each ridgeis not straight along its length but instead includes a series of curves or waves. The wavy profile of each ridgemay be regular, with a consistent pattern, or irregular, with a more random pattern. The wavy profile of each ridgemay be divided or segmented along its length into multiple individual ridgesspaced apart in an end-to-end arrangement between the ends,of the ride vehicle. In either case, the plurality of ridgesmay be arranged so as to extend in parallel in a lengthwise direction between the ends,of the ride vehicle.

In another embodiment, shown in, the one or more projections of the at least one underside layer, being the sheet of material, may comprise a plurality of randomized undulating projections or raised elements. As used herein, random or randomized refers to the intentional configuration and placement of the raised elementsin a manner that may appear irregular in shape or arranged in seemingly random patterns. The plurality of projections may be varied, irregularly shaped raised elementsarranged on the outer surfaceof the sheet of materialor film. No two raised elementsmay be the same, for example. The plurality of raised elementsmay not be arranged in a regular pattern or follow a regular shape; instead, the plurality of raised elementsmay have a random and uneven appearance. In that regard, one or more of the raised elementsmay include a different height, width, and shape, creating a bottom surfaceof the ride vehiclethat is not flat but rather textured and irregular, resembling a natural or organic form. The raised elementshave an organic shape, as illustrated in. Specifically, the raised elementsare undulating, with one or more of the raised elementsincluding one or more raised surface portions that create sunken or recessed surface portions therebetween.

The shape, size, and placement of the raised elementsmay be dictated by anticipated use conditions for the ride vehicle, such as the profile of the slide surfaceand/or slide bodywith which the ride vehicleis intended to be used, or the expected weight of the rider. For example, on a slidewith a steeper incline or tighter curves, the raised elementsmay be more closely spaced. Similarly, the weight of the rider may influence the configuration of the raised elements. A heavier rider may compress the ride vehiclemore significantly, increasing contact area and friction. In such cases, taller, wider, or more widely spaced raised elementsmay be used to reduce drag and maintain a desired sliding speed. Conversely, lighter riders may benefit from shorter or more densely packed raised elements. Thus, the profile of the raised elementsmay be configured to optimize performance and rider experience across different ride scenarios. To that end, the organic shape of the raised elementsserves to disrupt laminar flow beneath the ride vehicle, helping to reduce suction or drag that would otherwise slow the ride vehicleas it travels down the slide.

By “organic in shape,” it is meant that raised elementsexhibit a free-form, curvilinear, or irregular appearance. In other words, surfaces of the raised elementshave a natural, flowing, uneven, or undulating appearance, similar to forms observed in nature, such as the surface of a rock or terrain. The raised elementsare not angular, symmetrical, or uniformly patterned, but instead emulate the seemingly random, textured, and fluid characteristics of natural elements. The organic shapes of the raised elementsresult from an iterative design process, which identifies where raised elementsmay be added, removed, or reshaped along the underside of the ride vehicleto optimize performance across varying use conditions. To that end, the performance of each design iteration is modeled using modeling software, such as SOLIDWORKS Simulations, for example. Based on the results, the shape and placement of the raised elementsmay be further refined to adjust performance of the ride vehicleas desired.

Referring now to, where like reference numerals represent like features compared to the embodiments of the ride vehicledescribed above with respect to, the ride vehicleis shown in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The primary difference is that the ride vehicleshown inincludes a carrying handleattached to the top surfaceof the ride vehicle. Unlike the pair of handles, the carrying handleis not intended to be gripped by a rider as they ride down the slideon the ride vehicle. A ride may lay over the carrying handleas they ride down the slideon the ride vehicle, for example. The carrying handleis configured to be gripped by the rider to pick up and transport the ride vehicle, such as in between rides down the slide, for example. Lifting and carrying the ride vehiclewith the carrying handlecauses the ride vehicleto fold upon itself to form a compact configuration for transport, as will be described in further detail below.

As shown, the carrying handleis attached to the top surfaceof the ride vehicle, and in particular the top layer, such as by stitching, for example. In particular, the carrying handleis attached to the top layergenerally in a central region between the first endand the second endof the elongate bodyof the ride vehicle. The carrying handlemay be generally centered between the longitudinal sides of the elongate bodyof the ride vehicle. As shown, the central region of the ride vehicleincludes a transverse axis Athat bisects or divides the ride vehicle, lengthwise, into a first halfand a second half. The transverse axis Ais perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the ride vehicle. The first halfmay be referred to as the front half of the ride vehicleand the second halfmay be referred to as the rear half of the ride vehicle. The carrying handleextends generally parallel to the transverse axis Aand may be located along or generally near the transverse axis A.

As shown in, when lifted by the carrying handle, the ride vehicleis configured to fold into a compact configuration for easy carrying. Because the carrying handleis positioned at or near the transverse axis A, the ride vehiclegenerally folds in half lengthwise along the transverse axis Awhen lifted, defining a fold edge. As shown, the carrying handleis also positioned at or near the fold edgeand the fold edgeis situated in the central region, generally aligning with the transverse axis A. When in the compact configuration for carrying or transport, the first halfof the ride vehicleextends alongside the second halfof the ride vehicle. For example, the bottom surfaceof the first halfof the ride vehicleand the second halfof the ride vehiclemay be in contact when the ride vehicleis in the compact configuration.

In another embodiment, as shown in, the carrying handleis offset from the transverse axis A, such as in a direction toward either the first endor second endof the ride vehicle. As shown, the handleis offset toward the first endof the ride vehicleso as to be positioned closer to the first endthan to the second end. When the ride vehicleis lifted by the carrying handle, the ride vehicleis configured to fold along the transverse axis A, forming the fold edge, similar to the embodiment described above with respect to. However, unlike the previous embodiment where the carrying handlemay be located along the fold edge, here the carrying handleis offset from the fold edgeand located on the second halfso as to project from the second halfof the ride vehicle(rather than project from the fold edge). This configuration allows a user to grasp the carrying handleand carry the folded ride vehiclealongside their body, with the ride vehiclepositioned between their hand and body in a more natural carrying position. Likewise, in an alternative embodiment, the carrying handlemay be offset from the transverse axis Aso as to be positioned closer to the second endthan to the first endof the ride vehicle.

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