Wave pool reef design

Abstract

Disclosed is a wave pool for creating multiple surf-able waves when a wave generating device forces water into a first end of the wave pool. The wave pool includes a first deep area adjacent the end of the wave pool having the wave generating device. It is followed by a first artificial reef that creates a first shallow area that causes a swell created by the wave generating device to become a first surf-able wave. This is followed by a second deep area that causes the first surf-able wave to revert to a swell. A second artificial reef creates a second shallow area causing the swell to become a second surf-able wave. A basin and swash area follows the second artificial reef for dissipating the remaining energy of the second surf-able wave. Deep channels parallel to the pool sides substantially extending the length of the pool. An optional set of edge shallows can extend substantially the length of the wave pool to create a surf-able curling wave along each side of the wave pool.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/836,182 filed Aug. 8, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Historically, wave pools have been unable to produce waves that were large enough for surfing. However, inventions such as pressurized caissons or the pneumatic wave cannon have greatly increased the size of generated waves. A “wave cannon” is a wave generating device such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,393 to Carnahan et al. In short, the wave cannon transfers energy from the escape of compressed air into a large water filled tube, expelling the water from the tube into a body of water and creating swells or waves. The wave cannon is notable for its ability to transfer a large amount of energy to the body of water.

As may be expected, wave pools are generally more difficult to safeguard than swimming pools. Conventional wave pools have typically been sized and configured so that when used for surfing, only a single surfer could safely ride a wave. Some wave pools have the capability to produce waves that break from the right hand side of the wave or the left hand side of the wave. Center breaking waves, which are more complicated and difficult to produce, are sometimes referred to as “point” or “A-Frame” waves. When someone surfs in a conventional wave pool, other surfers must wait in a clear, safe venue until their turn. Then the next surfer may paddle into position in order to surf the next wave. An incoming wave could easily lead to collisions between surfers or between surfers and the sides of the pool. The variety of water currents or undertows could disorient or tire those in the water. Because of the risk of injury, surfers in conventional wave pools have been limited in the number permitted to surf at any one time.

Wave pool construction and operation can also be costly. Water parks can require a minimum of 10-30 acres, extensive infrastructure, staffing, and considerable energy consumption for the generation of waves. Wave pools that are capable of producing large, surfing waves can be even more expensive. The expense of generating surfing waves may be calculated on a cost per wave basis. Some facilities charge surfers based on their expected revenue per wave.

What is needed is a wave pool design capable of increasing the number of surfers who may safely ride a generated wave, thereby improving the revenue per wave.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment there is disclosed is a wave pool for creating multiple surf-able waves when a wave generating device forces water into a first end of the wave pool. The wave pool includes a first deep area adjacent the end of the wave pool having the wave generating device. It is followed by a first artificial reef that creates a first shallow area that causes a swell created by the wave generating device to become a first surf-able wave. This is followed by a second deep area that causes the first surf-able wave to revert to a swell. A second artificial reef creates a second shallow area causing the swell to become a second surf-able wave. A basin and swash area follows the second artificial reef for dissipating the remaining energy of the second surf-able wave.

Another embodiment discloses a deep center channel that extends the length of the wave pool to the swash area in which no surf-able waves are formed. The deep center channel acts as a buffer zone that separates the first artificial reef from the second artificial reef and the third artificial reef from the fourth artificial reef thereby allowing separate wave segments to be surfed by a plurality of surfers.

An optional set of edge shallows can extend substantially the length of the wave pool to create a surf-able curling wave along each side of the wave pool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view prior art illustration of a typical wave pool.

FIG. 1B is a side view prior art illustration of the typical wave pool shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a top view illustration of one embodiment of a wave pool according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional illustration as viewed at the Z line and along the X line of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top view embodiment of another embodiment of a wave pool according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view embodiment of still another embodiment of a wave pool according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view embodiment of the artificial reefs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, the term surfing is defined to include bodysurfing, board surfing, sail boarding, and any other recreational activity that requires waves. Thus, the present invention is useful for a variety of surf related activities, and the terms “surf” or “surfer” should be construed as meaning any surf related activity and its participants.

The bottom topography of a body of water is one of the factors in how a wave breaks. Most wave pools include some form of incline and a simulated beach opposite the wave generator. Natural beaches have inclines that range from steep (reflective of waves) to gradual (dissipative of wave energy). Wave pool beach inclines support or foster the creation of surf and then provide a dissipative end or swash zone for the beach. That is, these pools often have a bottom incline that culminates in a gradually inclined beach area. Prior to the swash zone, the incline is typically steeper to support the conversion of swells into the peaked waves of surf. As a swell progresses into increasingly shallow conditions, the swell grows vertically relative to the water level, creating surf Friction with the bottom slows the deeper portion of the wave until the peaked wave begins to curl. As the wave passes over the continuing incline, eventually the surf curls and breaks, washing up the incline of the beach and dissipating energy.

FIG. 1A is a top view prior art illustration of a typical wave pool 1 with isobaths denoting depth or elevation from the floor of the pool. A wave generator 5, which in this example is shown as a cluster of wave cannons, discharges into water course 3 generating swells and waves. Opposite wave generator 5 is a slope at beach area 7 for the final breaking of waves. Typically, an optional apron 200 surrounds wave pool 1.

FIG. 1B is a side view prior art illustration of the typical wave pool 1 shown in FIG. 1A. This view shows water being discharged from wave generator 5 into water course 3. As the water moves toward the opposite end it encounters the steeper incline 6 causing the swell to crest creating surf as it washes over the shallower less inclined area 7 into a swash zone before finally dissipating completely.

In the ocean, reef breaking surf is made up of waves that break over a solid base, such as a rock or coral reef. Natural reefs typically lack the terminating incline of a beach, as well as the moveable constituency of sand or pebbles that further dissipates energy. Many natural reefs are steeper than beaches, rapidly creating steep, challenging waves, an effect referred to as “jacking.” Thus, reefs can produce desirable, high energy waves for surfers.

Artificial reefs for generating waves have been known in the field. One example of an artificial reef is disclosed in Pub. No. US 2003/0077122 to Carnahan, et al. However, artificial reefs have not heretofore been developed that permit the waves to form and break in a manner that permits multiple surfers to safely ride a single wave.

Embodiments of the present invention describe systems and configurations of artificial reefs that enable multiple surfers to ride multiple wave segments within a wave pool. A plurality of elevations that comprise an artificial reef system can produce a series of surf-able wave segments. Depressed or deeper areas running substantially along or in the direction of the path of the wave are disposed between the elevations, and may be used to bound or separate areas of surfing. The deeper areas permit swells to pass between elevations without producing surf-able waves. Thus, individual surfers may ride wave segments generated by elevated areas while being separated from other wave segments and other surfers.

FIG. 2 is a top view illustration of one embodiment of a wave pool according to the present invention with isobaths denoting depth or elevation. Wave pool 1 is shown with water course 3 in which waves travel after being generated by wave generator 5. Opposite wave generator 5 is beach area 7. Alternatively, wave pool 1 may include a more gradual or dissipative increase in elevation so that the depth becomes increasingly shallow over the run of a wave, depending on the type of wave desired and the energy required.

The present invention may also be used with one or more wave diversion channels, lazy rivers, or action rivers for redirection of wave energy, as desired. Further, the present invention is also applicable for pools of a wide variety of geometric shapes, so long as the system of artificial reefs is configured in a manner to complement the geometry of water course 3.

For the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a system having artificial reefs 61 and 62 are disposed within water course 3. In this embodiment, artificial reef 61 comprises a peaked inverted V shaped primary shallow, which works in conjunction with deep side channels 41, 42 and edge shallows 51, 52. The primary shallow or elevation of artificial reef 61 may take a variety of shapes to produce a desired wave form and is not intended to be limited to just that shown in FIG. 2.

In order of progression along line X, a burst of water emanating from wave generator 5 encounters first deep area 3A, artificial reef 61, second deep area 3B, artificial reef 62, basin 3C, and then beach area 7. In deep areas, the water is in the form of a swell. In shallow areas, the water becomes a wave and builds to form a surf-able crest or peak while wave energy is expended by movement and friction. In contrast to the path along line X, in the path along line Y less wave energy is expended as the non-surf-able swell moves along deep side channels 42 and 44 until reaching beach area 7. Of course, such embodiments may include a single artificial reef or more than two artificial reef, as may be desired for the application.

Edge shallows 51 and 52 create a curling wave on the sides of water course 3. This wave may run for the full length of pool 1 until reaching beach area 7 or, as shown in this example, optional deep areas 3B1 and 3B2 may create an interruption where the wave reverts to a swell. The unimpeded swell in deep side channels 41-44 proceeds in advance of the waves created by edge shallows 51 and 52.

The embodiment of FIG. 2 may be used with up to eight surfers, depending on the size of wave pool 1 and the desired configuration. For purposes of illustration, a surfer may be located at each of starting spots A through H. Surfers located at spots A, B, C, and D are preferably surfers of greater skill or ability because the wave will be at a high level of energy when it strikes the shallow area of artificial reef 61. Preferably, artificial reef 61 will be configured for jacking a swell quickly into the form of a surf-able wave. When the wave passes artificial reef 61, the wave will then encounter deep area 3B, and will return to the form of a swell. Preferably, artificial reef 61 and deep area 3B are long enough such that surfers located at sports A, B, C, and D will slow after having ridden their first wave. After the swell passes through deep area 3B it encounters artificial reef 62. Surfers located at spots E, F, G, and H may then ride the wave.

Note that edge shallows 51 and 52 may include breaks at deep area 3B, which are denoted by 3B1 and 3B2. Alternatively, edge shallows 51 and 52 may continue for the length of the pool, such that surfers located at spots A and D might continue surfing the whole length of wave pool 1. As noted above, the swell in deep side channels 41-44 will precede the wave created by edge shallows 51 and 52. Thus, surfers beginning at spots A or D riding a wave in the traditional backhand approach (i.e., back to the wave) would have their surfboards pointed inwardly, towards the deep side channels. The deep side areas 41 and 42 extend beyond the last artificial reef 62 and may taper to the beach area 7.

FIG. 3 is an un-scaled cross-sectional illustration as viewed at line Z and along line X of FIG. 2. The displayed depths are merely illustrative of one possible profile, and are shown as an example embodiment of how elevated areas might relate to the base of the artificial reef 61. Artificial reef 61 is formed in an inverted V peaked shape so as to create an A-frame wave capable of separately sustaining surfers on either side of the artificial reef 61. As water approaches in the form of a swell it rides up and somewhat outward over the artificial reef 61 into a artificial reef base 110 where it becomes a surf-able wave. Artificial reef base 110 may be of any depth equal to or above the depth of the inside walls of deep side areas 41 and 42. The deep side areas 41 and 42 continue the length of the pool and separate the ends of the artificial reef 61 from the sides preventing the wave from forming along the sides. Deep side areas 41 and 42 separate artificial reef 61 and 62 and artificial reef base 110 from the edge shallows 51 and 52 by at least the width of a surfboard which may range from between 18″-24″ in width. The width of deep channels 41 and 42 are dependent on the design of the wave pool 1 where the size and magnitude of the waves generated by the wave cannon determine the safety factor required to slow the surfers coming from the artificial reef 61 and 62 and prevent the surfers from contacting the edge of the wave pool 1. Additionally, some wave reef designs may require the width of the channels 41 and 42 to be 60″-72″ or wider depending on the angle of the artificial reef 61 and 62 in relation to the side of the pool 1. As the angle of the artificial reef 61 and 62 approaches perpendicular the width of the channels 41 and 42 increases. Edge shallows 51 and 52 receive swells and convert them into curling waves that can be surfed as well and may form a surface counter wave thus slowing an oncoming surfer from the artificial reef 61 and 62.

FIG. 4 is a top view embodiment of another embodiment of a wave pool according to the present invention. In order of progression along line X, a generated wave encounters first deep area 3A as described above, then artificial reef 65B, second deep area 3B, artificial reef 66B, basin 3C, and then beach area 7. Artificial reef 65B is separated from artificial reef 65A by deep channel 71. Similarly, artificial reef 66B is separated from artificial reef 66A by deep channel 72. In deep areas, the wave is in the form of a swell; in shallow areas, the wave builds to form a surf-able peak. Thus, surfers located at spots B and C would be separated by a non-surf-able swell, as opposed to separation by the peak of an A-frame wave as described above. Lines Y1, Y2, and Y3 identify paths along deeper channels in which less wave energy is expended as non-surf-able swells move along water course 3. Edge shallows 51 and 52 are unbroken over water course 3, so that this embodiment would support six surfers, as shown by spots A-F.

FIG. 5 is a top view embodiment of still another embodiment of a wave pool according to the present invention in which artificial reefs 65A, 65B, 66A, and 66B are configured in peaked fashion to form multiple A-frame waves. As with the embodiment in FIG. 4, deep channels 71 and 72 separate the artificial reefs 65A from 65B and 66A from 66B respectively. This embodiment combines elements of FIGS. 2 and 4 to provide a wave pool that is capable of handling twelve surfers, as shown by starting spots A-L. The description of how the waves are created is similar to that already described above.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the artificial reefs 61, 62 in relation to the depth of the pool. As shown, the artificial reef base 110 may be at or above the depth of the pool side channels (ref. FIG. 3; 41, 42). Artificial reefs 61, 62 are described more thoroughly in FIG. 2.

The underlying principle(s) of the embodiments of the present invention may be scaled to facilities of a variety of sizes and configurations. The above embodiments should be considered to be exemplary embodiments, and are in no way limiting of the present invention. Thus, while the description above refers to particular embodiments, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

1. A wave pool for creating multiple surf-able waves when a wave generating device forces water into a first end of the wave pool, the wave pool comprising:

a first deep area disposed on the end of the wave pool having the wave generating device for creating a swell upon activation of the wave generating device;

a first artificial reef creating a first shallow area following the first deep area, the artificial reef causing the swell to become a first surf-able wave, wherein the artificial reef is comprised of a solid inclined projection from the artificial reef base causing the swell from the first deep area to be forced upward creating a surf-able wave over the first shallow area created by the artificial reef;

wherein the solid inclined projection forms a peaked inverted V shape that extends from the middle of the wave pool toward each side terminating prior to reaching each side thereby creating deep side channels that extend substantially in the direction of the waves for substantially the length of the wave pool along each side of the wave pool;

a basin and swash area following the artificial reef for dissipating the remaining energy of the surf-able wave; and

wherein a first set of surfers can surf the surf-able wave within the area of the pool bounded by the deep side channels.

2. The wave pool of claim 1, further comprising:

a second deep area following the first artificial reef for causing the first surf-able wave to revert to a swell;

a second artificial reef creating a second shallow area following the second deep area, the second artificial reef causing the swell to become a second surf-able wave, wherein the second artificial reef is comprised of a solid inclined projection from the artificial reef base causing the swell from the first deep area to be forced upward creating a surf-able wave over the second shallow area created by the second artificial reef; and

wherein a second set of surfers can surf the surf-able wave within the area of the pool bounded by the deep side channels.

3. The wave pool of claim 1, further comprising deep side channels separating the end of the artificial reef from the side of the pool by at least 18″.

4. The wave pool of claim 1, further comprising edge shallows that extend substantially the length of the wave pool along each side that create a surf-able curling wave along each side of the wave pool.

5. The wave pool of claim 2, further comprising a first set of edge shallows that extend approximately the first half the length of the wave pool along each side that create a first surf-able curling wave along each side of the wave pool followed by an area of no edge shallows that causes the curling wave to revert to a swell followed by a second set of edge shallows that extend approximately the second half the length of the wave pool along each side that create a first surf-able curling wave along each side of the wave pool wherein a first set of surfers can surf the first curling waves and a second set of surfers can surf the second curling waves.

6. A wave pool for creating multiple surf-able waves when a wave generating device forces water into a first end of the wave pool, the wave pool comprising:

a first deep area disposed on the end of the wave pool having the wave generating device for creating a swell upon activation of the wave generating device;

a first artificial reef creating a first shallow area following the first deep area, the first artificial reef causing the swell to become a first surf-able wave;

a second deep area following the first artificial reef for causing the first surf-able wave to revert to a swell;

a second artificial reef creating a second shallow area following the second deep area, the second artificial reef causing the swell to become a second surf-able wave;

a basin and swash area following the second artificial reef for dissipating the remaining energy of the second surf-able wave,

wherein the first and second artificial reefs are comprised of: a solid inclined projection from the artificial reef base causing the swell from the first deep area to be forced upward creating a surf-able wave over the first shallow area created by the first artificial reef and a surf-able wave over the second shallow area created by the second artificial reef; and

wherein the solid inclined projection forms a peaked inverted V shape that extends from the middle of the wave pool toward each side terminating prior to reaching each side thereby creating deep side channels that extend substantially the length of the wave pool up to the beach area along each side.

wherein a first set of surfers can surf the first surf-able wave and a second set of surfers can surf the second surf-able wave.

7. The wave pool of claim 6, further comprising deep side channels separating the end of the artificial reef from the side of the pool by at least 18″.

8. The wave pool of claim 6, further comprising edge shallows that extend substantially in the direction of the waves for substantially the length of the wave pool along each side that create a surf-able curling wave along each side of the wave pool.

9. The wave pool of claim 6, further comprising a first set of edge shallows that extend approximately the first half the length of the wave pool along each side that create a first surf-able curling wave along each side of the wave pool followed by an area of no edge shallows that causes the curling wave to revert to a swell followed by a second set of edge shallows that extend approximately the second half the length of the wave pool along each side that create a first surf-able curling wave along each side of the wave pool wherein a first set of surfers can surf the first curling waves and a second set of surfers can surf the second curling waves.

10. A wave pool for creating multiple surf-able waves when a wave generating device forces water into a first end of the wave pool, the wave pool comprising:

a first deep area disposed on the end of the wave pool having the wave generating device for creating a swell upon activation of the wave generating device;

substantially side by side first and second artificial reefs creating a first and second shallow area following the first deep area, the first artificial reef causing the swell to become a first surf-able wave and the second artificial reef causing the swell to become a second surf-able wave;

a second deep area following the first and second artificial reefs for causing the first and second surf-able waves to revert to swells;

substantially side by side third and fourth artificial reefs creating a third and fourth shallow area following the second deep area, the third artificial reef causing the swell to become a third surf-able wave and the fourth artificial reef causing the swell to become a fourth surf-able wave;

a basin and swash area following the third and fourth artificial reefs for dissipating the remaining energy of the third and fourth surf-able waves; and

a deep center channel that extends substantially in the direction of the waves for substantially the length of the wave pool to the swash area in which no surf-able waves are formed that acts as a buffer zone that separates the first artificial reef from the second artificial reef and the third artificial reef from the fourth artificial reef thereby allowing separate wave segments to be surfed by a plurality of surfers.

11. The wave pool of claim 10, wherein the artificial reefs form inclined angular projections that rise substantially the depth of the wave pool and extend from the middle of the wave pool toward each side terminating prior to reaching each side thereby creating deep side channels that extend substantially the length of the wave pool up to the swash area along each side.

12. The wave pool of claim 11, further comprising edge shallows that extend substantially the length of the wave pool along each side that create a surf-able curling wave along each side of the wave pool.

13. The wave pool of claim 11, further comprising a first set of edge shallows that extend approximately the first half the length of the wave pool along each side that create a first surf-able curling wave along each side of the wave pool followed by an area of no edge shallows that causes the curling wave to revert to a swell followed by a second set of edge shallows that extend approximately the second half the length of the wave pool along each side that create a first surf-able curling wave along each side of the wave pool wherein a first set of surfers can surf the first curling waves and a second set of surfers can surf the second curling waves.

14. The wave pool of claim 10, wherein the artificial reefs form solid inclined projection in a peaked inverted V shape that rise from the artificial reef base causing the swell from the first deep area to be forced upward creating a first surf-able wave over the first shallow area created by the first artificial reef, a second surf-able wave over the second shallow area created by the second artificial reef, a third surf-able wave over the third shallow area created by the third artificial reef, and a fourth surf-able wave over the fourth shallow area created by the fourth artificial reef.

15. The wave pool of claim 14, further comprising edge shallows that extend substantially the length of the wave pool along each side that create a surf-able curling wave along each side of the wave pool.

16. The wave pool of claim 14, further comprising a first set of edge shallows that extend approximately the first half the length of the wave pool along each side that create a first surf-able curling wave along each side of the wave pool followed by an area of no edge shallows that causes the curling wave to revert to a swell followed by a second set of edge shallows that extend approximately the second half the length of the wave pool along each side that create a first surf-able curling wave along each side of the wave pool wherein a first set of surfers can surf the first curling waves and a second set of surfers can surf the second curling waves.