WAVE POOL INCLUDING WAVE GENERATOR AND REEFS FOR FORMING PLURALITY OF SURFABLE WAVES

Various embodiments of a wave pool are described that can simultaneously form more than one surfable wave along the wave pool. The wave pool can include a channel for containing water. The channel can include first and second sides and proximal and distal ends. The channel can include a base extending between the first and second sides and between the proximal and distal ends. The base can include a base floor, a primary reef, and a plurality of reformation reefs. The wave pool can include a wave generator configured to travel through the water contained in the channel for forming a body of wave energy. The body of wave energy can include a primary wave formed along the primary reef and reformation waves formed along reformation reefs.

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Description
BACKGROUND

Ocean waves have been used recreationally for hundreds of years. One of the most popular sports at any beach with well-formed, breaking waves is surfing. Surfing and other board sports have become so popular, in fact, that the water near any surf break that is suitable for surfing can be crowded and overburdened with surfers, such that each surfer may have to compete for each wave and exposure to activity is limited. Further, the majority of the planet's population does not have suitable access to ocean waves in order to even enjoy surfing or other ocean wave sports.

Another problem is that the waves at any surf spot are varied and inconsistent, with occasional sets of nicely formed waves that are sought after to be ridden, interspersed with less desirable and, in some cases, unrideable waves. Even when a surfer manages to be able to ride a selected wave, the duration of the ride can last only a few seconds, with most rides being between 5 and 10 seconds long. For both recreational and competitive surfing, consistency, control of variability, size and shape are key and long-sought aspects of man-made waves.

Ocean waves generally have five stages: generation; propagation, shoaling, breaking, and decay. The shoaling and breaking stages are the most desirable for rideable waves. The point of breaking being strongly dependent on the ratio of the water depth to the waves amplitude also depends on the contour, depth and shape of the bottom surface, and the velocity, wavelength and height of the wave, among other factors. In general a wave can be characterized to result in one of four principal breaker types: spilling, plunging, collapsing; and surging. Of these wave types the spilling waves are preferred by beginner surfers while the plunging waves are revered by more experienced surfers.

Various systems and techniques have been employed in an attempt to replicate ocean waves in a man-made environment, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0124459 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0063092, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

An issue with wave basins or pools that form surfable waves includes a limit on how many surfers can surf one or more waves over a given time. For example, some surfers may have to wait an extended period of time between surfing waves and/or only one surfer at a time can surf along the wave basin or pool. This can lead to inefficient use of the wave pool and longer wait times for surfers.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a wave pool configured to simultaneously form more than one surfable wave along the wave pool. In one embodiment, the wave pool can include a channel for containing water having a first side, a second side, a proximal end, and a distal end. The channel can include a base extending between the first side and the second side and between the proximal end and the distal end. The base can include a base floor, a primary reef extending adjacent and approximately parallel to the first side of the channel, and a plurality of reformation reefs each extending at an angle relative to the first side of the channel. The wave pool can further include a track positioned along the first side of the channel and a foil that is movable along the track. The foil can be positioned to travel through the water contained in the channel for forming a body of wave energy. The body of wave energy can include a primary wave formed along the primary reef and a plurality of reformation waves that are each formed along one or more reformation reefs of the plurality of reformation reefs.

In some variations one or more of the following features can optionally be included in any feasible combination. Each reformation wave of the plurality of reformation waves can be formed as a result of the body of wave energy traveling over and/or along at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs. Each reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs can extend relative to the first side of the channel and/or the track at the angle that is approximately 30 degrees to approximately 50 degrees. At least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs can extend linearly along the base floor. At least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs can extend along an arc along the base floor. At least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs can be integrated into the base floor such that the at least one reformation reef is immovable. At least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs is movable relative to the base floor.

In some embodiments, the plurality of reformation reefs can include a first series of reformation reefs and a second series of reformation reefs. The first series of reformation reefs can be positioned to form a first set of reformation waves as a result of the foil traveling in a first direction along the track, and the second set of reformation reefs can be positioned to form a second set of reformation waves as a result of the foil traveling in a second direction along the track that is opposite the first direction. The first series of reformation reefs can include at least two reformation reefs and the second series of reformation reefs can include at least two reformation reefs. The first series of reformation reefs can include a first left reformation reef and a second left reformation reef. The first left reformation reef can have a first width and the second left reformation reef can include a second width, and the first width can be wider than the second width. The first left reformation reef can be positioned closer to the proximal end of the channel compared to the second left reformation reef. Each reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs can be positioned along the base floor such that the body of wave energy intersects the reformation reef at an approximately 90 degree angle or advances approximately parallel to the reformation reef depending on whether the foil is traveling in the first direction or the second direction.

The at least one reformation wave and the primary wave can be formed simultaneously to allow simultaneous surfing by a first surfer along the at least one reformation wave and a second surfer along the primary wave. The foil can be bi-directional and configured to form a body of wave energy including the primary wave and the plurality of reformation waves when traveling in a first direction along the track and when traveling in a second direction along the track that is opposite from the first direction.

In another embodiment, the wave pool can include a channel for containing water. The channel can include a first side, a second side, a proximal end, and a distal end. The channel can include a base extending between the first side and the second side and between the proximal end and the distal end. The base can include a base floor, a primary reef extending adjacent and approximately parallel to the first side of the channel, and a reformation reef extending at an angle relative to the first side of the channel. The wave pool can further include a track positioned along the first side of the channel and a foil that is movable along the track. The foil can be positioned to travel through the water contained in the channel for forming a body of wave energy. The body of wave energy can include a primary wave formed as a result of the body of wave energy interacting with the primary reef. The body of wave energy can further include a reformation wave that is formed as a result of the body of wave energy interacting with the reformation reef.

In some variations one or more of the following features can optionally be included in any feasible combination. The reformation wave can be broken (e.g., to form left and/or right breaking reformation waves) and/or shaped (e.g., white wash, breaking with surfable wave face, etc.) as a result of the body of wave energy traveling over and/or along the reformation reef. For example, a reformation wave can be formed as a result of a part of the body of wave energy flowing over and/or along a bathymetry section on a lee side of the primary reef, which can be deeper than the primary reef, and then over and/or along at least one reformation reef extending along the base of the channel. The reformation reef can extend relative to the first side of the channel and/or the track at the angle that is approximately 30 degrees to approximately 50 degrees. The reformation reef can extend linearly along the base floor. The reformation reef can extend along an arc along the base floor. The reformation reef can be integrated into the base floor such that the reformation reef is immovable. The reformation reef can be movable relative to the base floor. The reformation reef can be positioned along the base floor such that the body of wave energy formed by the foil intersects a part of the reformation reef at an approximately 90 degree angle or advances approximately parallel to the reformation reef depending on whether the foil is traveling in a first direction or a second direction. The reformation wave and the primary wave can be formed simultaneously to allow simultaneous surfing by at least one surfer along the reformation wave and at least one surfer along the primary wave.

In another interrelated aspect of the current subject matter, a method includes forming a primary wave and a plurality of reformation waves along a wave pool. The method can include advancing a foil along a channel of a wave pool, the wave pool including a base extending between a first side and a second side of the channel and between a proximal end and a distal end of the channel. The base can include a base floor, a primary reef extending adjacent and approximately parallel to the first side of the channel, and a plurality of reformation reefs each extending at an angle relative to the first side of the channel. The wave pool can further include a track positioned along the first side of the channel. The foil can be movable along the track and positioned to travel through the water contained in the channel for forming a body of wave energy. The body of wave energy can include a primary wave formed along the primary reef, and the body of wave energy can further include a plurality of reformation waves that are each formed (e.g., broken, shaped) along one or more reformation reefs of the plurality of reformation reefs. The method can further include forming the primary wave as a result of advancing the foil along the channel to cause the body of wave energy to interact with the primary reef, and forming the plurality of reformation waves as a result of advancing the foil along the channel to cause the body of wave energy to interact with the plurality of reformation reefs.

In some variations one or more of the following features can optionally be included in any feasible combination. The forming of the primary wave and the forming of the reformation wave are performed simultaneously. The body of wave energy includes a primary wave and at least one reformation wave. The primary wave and the reformation wave are surfable by at least two surfers. Each reformation wave of the plurality of reformation waves are formed as a result of the body of wave energy traveling over and/or along at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs. Each reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs can extend relative to the first side of the channel and/or the track at the angle that is approximately 30 degrees to approximately 50 degrees. At least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs can extend linearly along the base floor. At least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs can extend along an arc along the base floor. At least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs can be integrated into the base floor such that the at least one reformation reef is immovable. At least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs can be movable relative to the base floor.

In some embodiments, the plurality of reformation reefs can include a first series of reformation reefs and a second series of reformation reefs, and the first series of reformation reefs can be positioned to form a first set of reformation waves as a result of the foil traveling in a first direction along the track, and the second set of reformation reefs can be positioned to form a second set of reformation waves as a result of the foil traveling in a second direction along the track that is opposite the first direction. The first series of reformation reefs can include at least two reformation reefs and the second series of reformation reefs can include at least two reformation reefs. The first series of reformation reefs can include a first left reformation reef and a second left reformation reef, and the first left reformation reef can have a first width. The second left reformation reef can include a second width, and the first width can be wider than the second width. The first left reformation reef can be positioned closer to the proximal end of the channel compared to the second left reformation reef.

Each reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs can be positioned along the base floor such that the body of wave energy intersects the reformation reef (e.g., direction of propagation of the body of wave energy intersect the reformation reef) at an approximately 90 degree angle or advances approximately parallel to the reformation reef depending on whether the foil is traveling in a first direction or a second direction. The at least one reformation wave and the primary wave can be formed simultaneously to allow simultaneous surfing by a first surfer along the at least one reformation wave and a second surfer along the primary wave. The foil can be bi-directional and configured to form a body of wave energy including the primary wave and the plurality of reformation waves when traveling in a first direction along the track and when traveling in a second direction along the track that is opposite from the first direction.

In another embodiment, the wave pool can include a channel for containing water having a first side, a second side, a proximal end, and a distal end. The channel can include a base extending between the first side and the second side and between the proximal end and the distal end. The base can include a base floor, a primary reef extending adjacent and approximately parallel to the first side of the channel, and a plurality of reformation reefs each extending at an angle relative to the first side of the channel. The wave pool can further include a wave generator configured to travel through the water contained in the channel for forming a body of wave energy. The body of wave energy can include a primary wave formed along the primary reef, and the body of wave energy can further include a plurality of reformation waves that are each formed along one or more reformation reefs of the plurality of reformation reefs.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. In the drawings,

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a wave pool in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a channel of the wave pool of FIG. 1A showing a plurality of reefs and a foil for forming a primary wave and a plurality of reformation waves;

FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of the channel of FIG. 1B showing an example of the plurality of reformation waves and the primary wave that can be formed along the channel as a result of the foil traveling in a first direction;

FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the channel of FIG. 1B showing an example of the plurality of reformation waves and the primary wave that can be formed along the channel as a result of the foil traveling in a second direction;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the channel of FIG. 1B showing formation of the primary wave;

FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the channel of FIG. 1B showing an example of the body of wave energy including the primary wave that can be formed along the channel as a result of the foil traveling in the first direction;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of another portion of the channel of FIG. 1B showing simultaneous formation of the primary wave and a reformation wave;

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the channel of FIG. 1B showing an example of the body of wave energy including the primary wave and the reformation wave that can be simultaneously formed along the channel;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of another portion of the channel of FIG. 1B showing simultaneous formation of the primary wave and at least two reformation waves;

FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of the channel of FIG. 1B showing an example of the body of wave energy including the primary wave and the at least two reformation waves that can be simultaneously formed along the channel;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of yet another portion of the channel of FIG. 1B showing simultaneous formation of the primary wave and at least two reformation waves;

FIG. 6B illustrates a top view of the channel of FIG. 1B showing an example of the body of wave energy including the primary wave and the at least two reformation waves that can be simultaneously formed along the channel;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of yet another portion of the channel of FIG. 1B showing simultaneous formation of the primary wave and another at least one reformation wave;

FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of the channel of FIG. 1B showing an example of the body of wave energy including the primary wave and the at least one reformation wave that can be simultaneously formed along the channel;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of yet another portion of the channel of FIG. 1B showing simultaneous formation of the primary wave and a reformation wave including a closed face white water wave;

FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of the channel of FIG. 1B showing an example of the body of wave energy including the primary wave and the reformation wave including surfable white wash simultaneously formed along the channel;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the channel;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the channel;

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the channel;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the foil in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 10B is a top cross-sectional view of the foil of FIG. 10A; and

FIGS. 11A-11G illustrate a top view of an embodiment of a channel of FIG. 1B showing various embodiments of a plurality of reef configurations for forming a primary wave and a plurality of reformation waves.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure describes a wave pool including a wave generator for generating a surfable primary wave and a plurality of surfable reformation waves in the wave pool. The wave pool described herein can include a basin, a pool, or any of a variety of water containment embodiments. For example, in some embodiments the wave pool can include a channel configured to contain water. Additionally, the wave pool can include a track adjacent to a first side of the channel and a wave generator (e.g., foil) that travels along the channel via the track. Although a track is described herein for assisting the wave generator, any of a variety of mechanisms can be used to assist with moving and/or directing the wave generator without departing from the cope of this disclosure. The wave generator can be configured to generate at least the primary wave along a length of the channel as the wave generator travels along the channel. Additionally, the channel can include a plurality of reefs that extend along a base floor of a base of the channel. The reefs can each assist with forming a plurality of waves (e.g., breaking, shaped) along the channel, such as the primary wave and a plurality of reformation waves. The reformation waves can be formed in the water contained in the channel in addition to the primary wave also being formed in the water. This can allow more than one surfable wave to be formed simultaneously, thereby allowing more than one surfer to simultaneously surf along the channel as a result of the wave generator traveling along the channel.

The channel can include one or more of a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, the channel can include one or more of a linear shape, a curvilinear shape, an arc shape, a semi-circle shape, a circle shape, an oval shape, and a U-shape. The wave pool can include one or more wave generators, and each of the one or more wave generators can be configured to travel in one or both directions along the track, such as to form surfable waves in one or both directions (e.g., forming left and/or right breaking waves) along the channel. For example, the one or more wave generators can include a paddle array, caisson, plunger, etc., without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the track can include one or more of a variety of traveling pathways and/or mechanisms (e.g., cable system, winch mechanism, vehicle, etc.) for allowing and/or assisting the wave generator with traveling along the channel. As such, the track can include any number of pathways and/or mechanisms without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the track can be at least partially submerged in water contained by the channel of the wave pool and/or the track can be positioned such that it is out of the water contained in the channel.

Various embodiments of the wave pool can include a primary reef for assisting with forming the primary wave and a plurality of reformation reefs that assist with forming a plurality of reformation waves, as described in greater detail below.

As described herein, the primary wave includes a surfable wave formed closest to the wave generator and is formed as a result of the wave generator traveling along the track and through the water, such as described herein and in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0063092, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, the wave generator can be configured to form a body of wave energy that can interact with the primary reef and form the primary wave. For example, the primary wave can include a wave height of up to approximately 7 feet and/or form a surfable tube or barrel portion. The primary wave can include a variety of sizes and features without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

The foil can advance along the track (e.g., via a vehicle) and through the water to form the body of wave energy, which can include a body of moving water that extends from the wave generator and includes the primary wave. For example, the body of wave energy can linearly and/or non-linearly (e.g., includes a radius) extend from the foil and form the primary wave and at least one reformation wave, as will be described in greater detail below.

As described herein, the reformation wave includes a surfable wave that is a result of a part of the body of wave energy flowing over and/or along at least one reformation reef extending along the base of the channel. For example, a surfable reformation wave can be formed as a result of a part of the body of wave energy flowing over and/or along a bathymetry section on a lee side of the primary reef, which can be deeper than the primary reef, and then over and/or along at least one reformation reef extending along the base of the channel. The reformation wave can include a variety of shapes, sizes, and features. For example, the reformation wave can include a surfable wave face and/or surfable white wash. For example, the reformation wave can have a height of approximately 1 foot to approximately 6 feet. Each reformation wave can accommodate one or more surfers. In some embodiments of the wave pool, a plurality of surfers can simultaneously surf one or more reformation waves, such as in addition to at least one surfer surfing the primary wave.

Various embodiments of the wave pool including a wave generator and a plurality of reefs for forming a primary wave and a plurality of reformation waves as a result of the wave generator traveling through the water is described in greater detail below.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an embodiment of a wave pool 100 including a channel 102 configured to contain a body of water 144. The channel 102 can include a perimeter 103 defined by a first side 104, a second side 106, a proximal end 108 and a distal end 110. The channel 102 of the wave pool 100 can have a shape that is substantially linear, include a substantially linear section, is curvilinear, and/or includes one or more curvilinear sections. In some implementations, such as a circular or oval-shaped wave pool 100, the channel 102 can be defined only by a first side 104 and a second side 106, each having a diameter.

The channel 102 is configured to hold or contain water 144. As shown in FIG. 1B, the channel 102 includes a base 112 extending between the first side 104 and the second side 106, as well as between the proximal end 108 and the distal end 110. The base 112 assists with containing the water 144 in the channel 102 and includes a variety of features, including a base floor 113, a primary reef 150, and a plurality of reformation reefs 115 extending up from the base floor 113, as shown in FIG. 1B. The primary reef 150, base floor 113, and reformation reefs 115 are configured to assist with forming a plurality of surfable waves (e.g., breaking waves, shoaling waves) along the channel 102, as will be described in greater detail below. The base floor 113 can form at least a part of a bottom of the wave pool 100 and include varying topography that can assist with various aspects of the wave pool 100, such as wave formation, water flow, etc. One or more of the primary reef 150 and reformation reefs 115 can be integrated with the base floor 113. In some embodiments, at least one reformation reef 115 is movable, such as repositionable and/or removable, relative to the base floor 113, such as to achieve various reformation wave formations.

The base 112 can include a bottom surface topography that is configured to cooperate with a wave generator 114 (e.g., including an embodiment of a foil 122) to form a plurality of surfable waves in the wave pool 100. In some embodiments, the bottom surface topography of the base 112 can include one or more deep regions (e.g., base floor 113) for containing a volume of water, one or more sills or reefs (e.g., the primary reef 150 and one or more reformation reefs 115) of varied size and depth and against which wave energy can be transformed to produce surfable waves. The bottom surface topography of the base can also include one or more troughs, one or more beaches, and/or one or more gutters for absorbing residual wave energy and water volume created thereby, and returning that water volume toward a deeper part of the channel 102.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the wave pool 100 can include an embodiment of a track 116 along which one or more wave generators 114 (e.g., including the foil 122) can be conveyed. The track 116 can include one or more rails or pathways or the like. For example, each wave generator 114 can include a vehicle 118 adapted for being conveyed along the track 116, such as by wheels attached to the vehicle 118, which form at least part of a bogie 120 that can include the wheels and other framing, struts, electronics, and batteries. The vehicle 118 can further include a number of sensors and stabilization mechanisms for tracking telemetry data of the movement of the vehicle 118, as well as stabilize the vehicle 118 on the track 116 during its traversal or reversal on the track 116.

For example, the vehicle 118 can be connected to one or more foils 122 that are positioned at least partially in the water of the channel 102, and which provide a surface for generating a body of wave energy substantially laterally from the foil 122. The foil 122 can also be shaped and configured for flow recovery or “suck-out” after the body of wave energy is generated, so as to minimize oscillatory waves following the body of wave energy, which can include the primary wave and/or at least one reformation wave, in which most or substantially all of the wave formation energy is concentrated. In some implementations, the wave generator 114, such as the foil 122, is shaped and configured to be bi-directional in the wave pool 100, so as to generate at least one right breaking wave when the foil 122 travels in a first direction along the track, as well as forms at least one left breaking wave when the foil 122 travels in a second direction (e.g., opposite the first direction) along the track 116. Although one foil 122 and one channel 102 is described herein to describe example embodiments of the wave pool 100, more than one foil 122, track 116, and/or channel 102 can be included in any wave pool 100 described herein without departing from this disclosure.

The traversal of the vehicle 118 along the track 116 can be controlled and modulated so as to provide specific or desired acceleration, deceleration, velocity, and distance of travel of the foil 122 in the channel 102. For example, in operation, a speed of the foil 122 can be varied along the channel 102. Such variability can be programmed by software and executed by a control computing system to control mechanics, such as a winch or pulley system. Further, the speed variations of the foil 122 can be coordinated with changes in features along the channel 102, such as one or more reefs positioned along the base 112 of the channel 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, a primary reef 150 can extend from the base 112 and along a length of the channel 102. The primary reef 150 can extend approximately parallel to and adjacent the track 116, which can extend along the first side 104 of the channel 102. For example, the primary reef 150 can be positioned adjacent the track 116 such that the foil 122 travels adjacent the primary reef 150 to form the primary wave (such as the primary wave 130 shown in FIG. 4B). The primary wave can be formed and travel along a length of the channel 102 such that it is traveling approximately parallel and adjacent to the track 116 and foil 122. The primary wave can form a variety of surfable wave shapes, including a barreling wave. In some embodiments, a yaw angle, pitch angle, surface area, and buoyancy of the foil 122 can be independently controlled and modulated to provide specific or desired generated wave energy from the surface of the foil 122.

As discussed in greater detail below, traversal of the foil 122 along the track 116 causes formation of a body of wave energy, which can include the primary wave and/or a plurality of reformation waves, to allow more than one surfer to surf along the channel 102, including simultaneously. In the embodiments described herein, a reference to the wave generator moving along the track is to be understood to be equivalent to a wave generated by one or more of a variety of mechanisms for moving the wave generator to form the primary and reformation waves and is not limited to an embodiment of the wave generator traveling along a track. In some embodiments, the wave generator can include one or more paddles, caissons, plungers, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the base 112 of the channel 102 can include a plurality of reformation reefs 115 including a first series of reefs 117 and a second series of reefs 119. For example, the first series of reefs 117 can be positioned to form a first set of reformation waves as a result of the foil 122 traveling in a first direction (e.g., towards the distal end 110 of the channel 102). The second series of reefs 119 can be positioned to form a second set of reformation waves as a result of the foil 122 traveling in a second direction (e.g., towards the proximal end 108 of the channel 102). In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 1B, the first series of reefs 117 can mirror the second series of reefs 119, such as relative to an axis or line (Ln) extending normal to the track 116 and positioned approximately equidistant from the proximal end 108 and the distal end 110. This configuration can achieve formation of the first set of reformation waves being similar to the second set of reformation waves (e.g., with other factors being similar, such as foil 122 configuration and foil 122 travel speed, etc.). However, the first series of reefs 117 can include one or more of a different sized, shaped, and quantity of reefs compared to the second series of reefs 119 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the first series of reefs 117 can include a first right reef 117a, a second right reef 117b, and a third right reef 117c. The first right reef 117a can be positioned closest to the proximal end 108 and be the first reformation reef 115 to form at least one reformation wave out of the first series of reefs 117, such as when the foil 122 travels along the channel 102 in the first direction (e.g., towards the distal end 110). As also shown in FIG. 1B, the second series of reefs 119 can include a first left reef 119a, a second left reef 119b, and a third left reef 119c. The first left reef 119a can be positioned closest to the distal end 110 and be the first reformation reef 155 to form at least one reformation wave out of the second series of reefs 119, such as when the foil 122 travels along the channel 102 in the second direction (e.g., towards the proximal end 108).

As shown in FIG. 1B, the reformation reefs 115 can vary in size and shape, which can result in various sized and shaped reformation waves. For example, one or more reformation reefs 115 can extend linearly and/or along an arc along the base floor 113. As shown in FIG. 1B, the reformation reefs 115 can include an oval or rectangular shape. Additionally, each reformation reef 115 can be positioned at an angle relative to the first side 104 of the channel 102, the track 116, and/or a feature that extends along or approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the channel 102. As shown in FIG. 1B, a longitudinal axis L of the second left reef 119b is shown. The longitudinal axis extends along the length of the second left reef 119b and forms an angle α relative to the track 116 and/or a side of the channel 102 (e.g., the first side 104 of the channel 102). Each reformation reef 115 can include a longitudinal axis L that extends between a first reef end 160 and a second reef end 162 and forms a position angle α. The position angle α defines the angle that is formed between a respective reformation reef 115 and the track 116 and/or a side of the channel 102. In some embodiments, the position angle α can define the angle that is formed between the longitudinal axis L of a respective reformation reef 115 and the track 116 and/or a side of the channel 102. For example, the first left reef 119a and first right reef 117a can each form a position angle α that is approximately 30 degrees to approximately 45 degrees, such as approximately 35 degrees to approximately 40 degrees. In some embodiments, the second left reef 119b and/or second right reef 117b can each form a position angle α that is approximately 35 degrees to approximately 50 degrees, such as approximately 39 degrees to approximately 43 degrees. In some embodiments, the third left reef 119c and third right reef 117c can each form a position angle α that is approximately 40 degrees to approximately 50 degrees, such as approximately 42 degrees to approximately 47 degrees.

For example, the position angle α can allow the body of wave energy (e.g., formed by the foil 122 moving across the channel 102) to intersect each reformation reef 115 at an approximately 90 degree angle. Such approximately 90 degree intersection of the body of wave energy to each reformation reef 115 assists with forming a surfable reformation wave, as will be disclosed in greater detail below.

The reformation reefs 115 can have a variety of lengths and widths, such as more than one reformation reef 115 having different lengths and widths. For example, each reformation reef 115 can have a reef length that can be defined as extending between a first reef end 160 and a second reef end 162 of a respective reformation reef 115. Furthermore, each reformation reef 115 can include a width defined as a distance between opposing sides of the respective reformation reef 115. For example, the first left reef 119a and first right reef 117a can each have a reef length of approximately 300 feet to approximately 400 feet and a width of approximately 60 feet to approximately 85 feet. In some embodiments, the second left reef 119b and second right reef 117b can each have a reef length of approximately 150 feet to approximately 350 feet and a width of approximately 25 feet to approximately 45 feet, such as approximately 15 feet to approximately 35 feet. In some embodiments, the third left reef 119c and third right reef 117c can each have a reef length of approximately 120 feet to approximately 250 feet and a width of approximately 25 feet to approximately 45 feet, such as approximately 15 feet to approximately 35 feet.

In some embodiments, the reformation reefs 115 can extend from the base floor 113 at an angle α nd include a flat or substantially flat top surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, one or more reformation reefs 115 can include at least one angled side 166 that extends between the base floor 113 and a top surface 164 of a respective reformation reef 115. In some embodiments, the angled side 166 can extend along one or more sides and/or ends of a respective reformation reef 115. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the first left reef 119a and the first right reef 117a each include an angled side 166 that extends along opposing elongated sides and the first reef end 160. In some embodiments, the angled side 166 can form an angle relative to the base floor 113 that is approximately 20 degrees to approximately 30 degrees.

One or more reformation reefs 115 can have opposing sides angled towards each other and/or a flat or substantially flat top surface 164 extending between the opposing angled sides 166. Each reformation reef 115 can have a reef height defined as a distance between the base floor 113 and the flat top surface 164. For example, the first left reef 119a and first right reef 117a can each have a reef height of approximately 3 feet to approximately 8 feet, such as approximately 5 feet. In some embodiments, the second left reef 119b and second right reef 117b can each have a reef height of approximately 2 feet to approximately 7 feet, such as approximately 4 feet. In some embodiments, the third left reef 119c and third right reef 117c can each have a reef height of approximately 3 feet to approximately 7 feet, such as approximately 5 feet. The primary reef 150 can also include a variety of heights along its length that extends approximately parallel to the track 116, such as approximately 3 feet to approximately 7 feet. For example, a first length of the primary reef 150 can have a height of approximately 4 feet and a second length that is approximately 6 feet (e.g., to cause the primary wave 150 to form a barrel wave).

As shown in FIG. 1B, the primary reef 150 is positioned closest and adjacent to the track 116. In some embodiments, a distance between the track 116 and the first reef end 160 of each reformation reef 115 can vary. For example, the first left reef 119a and first right reef 117a can each have a first reef end 160 positioned approximately 90 feet to approximately 130 feet, such as approximately 110 feet, from the track 116 and/or channel 102 side. In some embodiments, the second left reef 119b and second right reef 117b can each have a first reef end 160 positioned approximately 125 feet to approximately 165 feet, such as approximately 145 feet, from the track 116 and/or channel 102 side. In some embodiments, the third left reef 119c and third right reef 117c can each have a first reef end 160 positioned approximately 160 feet to approximately 200 feet, such as approximately 180 feet, from the track 116 and/or channel 102 side.

In some embodiments, the first left reef 119a and first right reef 117a can each have a first reef end 160 positioned approximately 350 feet to approximately 500 feet, such as approximately 425 feet, from the proximal end 108. In some embodiments, the first reef end 160 of the first left reef 119a is positioned approximately 190 feet to approximately 230 feet, such as 215 feet, away from the first reef end 160 of the adjacent second left reef 119b. In some embodiments, the first reef end 160 of the second left reef 119b is positioned approximately 230 feet to approximately 280 feet, such as 250 feet, away from the first reef end 160 of the adjacent third left reef 119c.

In some embodiments, the channel 102 can have a length extending between the proximal end 108 and the distal end 110 that is at least approximately 1000 feet, such as approximately 2000 feet. Other channel lengths are within the scope of this disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a diagram of the wave pool 100 including the first series of reefs 117 and the second series of reefs 119, as well as a foil 122 that is configured to travel along the track 116. As shown in FIG. 2A, when the foil 122 travels along the track 116 in the first direction (e.g., towards the distal end 110), the foil 122 forms the surfable primary wave 130 and more than one surfable reformation wave 132. As shown in FIG. 2B, when the foil 122 travels along the track 116 in the second direction (e.g., towards the proximal end 108), the foil 122 forms the primary wave 130 and more than one reformation wave 132. The primary wave 130 and reformation waves 132 are represented by arrows in FIGS. 2A and 2B to illustrate an approximate direction the primary wave 130 and reformation waves 132 advance along the channel 102, such as relative to a corresponding primary reef 150 and reformation reef 115, respectively. For example, a reformation wave 132 can advance in a direction that is approximately parallel to a corresponding reformation reef 115, such as the reformation reef 115 contributing to the formation of the reformation wave 132. The primary wave 130 is formed adjacent the foil 122 traveling along the first side 104, as represented by the arrow extending along the first side 104 in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The primary wave 130 can be formed along a length 131 of the channel 102 and can have the longest travel distance compared to the reformation waves 132 formed along the channel 102. In some embodiments, the primary wave 130 is formed along at least half and/or more than two-thirds the length of the channel 102. For example, the primary reef 150 can extend along at least half and/or more than two-thirds the length of the channel 102, such as to assist with forming the primary wave 130 along a similar length of the channel 102. When the foil 122 travels through the water and along the channel 102, the foil 122 forms the body of wave energy that can interact with the primary reef 150 to form the primary wave 130 and interact with the reformation reefs 115 to form reformation waves 132. For example, such interaction can include the body of wave energy advancing into shallower water, such as due to the reef (e.g., primary reef 150 and/or reformation reef 115) extending from the base floor 113 towards the water surface. For example, when the foil 122 travels along the channel 102 in the first direction, the first right reef 117a is the first reformation reef 115 to come into contact with the body of wave energy (formed as a result of the moving foil 122 and/or other wave generating elements such as one or more paddles, caissons, plungers, etc.) and form at least one reformation wave 132. The second right reef 117b can be the second reef to come into contact with the body of wave energy and form at least one reformation wave 132. Additionally, the third right reef 117c can be the third reformation reef 115 to come into contact with the body of wave energy and form at least one reformation wave 132. The reformation waves 132 formed by each reformation reef 115 of the first series of reefs 117 can have different shape, sizes and features, such as for forming waves having different shapes, sizes and features. Such differences in wave formation shapes, sizes, and features can allow surfers of various abilities and surfing preferences to locate and surf parts of the wave pool 100 forming a desired wave for surfing. As such, the present wave pool 100 allows more surfers to actively surf along the channel 102, including at the same time, as well as accommodate various surfing styles and abilities.

As shown in FIG. 2B, when the foil 122 travels through the water and along the channel 102 in the second direction, the primary wave 130 can be formed along the primary reef 150 and the first left reef 119a can be the first reformation reef 115 to come into contact with the body of wave energy (formed as a result of the moving foil 122) and form at least one reformation wave 132. The second left reef 119b can be the second reformation reef 115 to come into contact with the body of wave energy and form at least one reformation wave 132. Additionally, the third left reef 119c can be the third reformation reef 115 to come into contact with the body of wave energy and form at least one reformation wave 132.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, one or more reformation reefs 115 can assist with forming one or more reformation waves that include surfable white wash. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first left reef 119a can interact with the body of wave energy formed from the foil 122 traveling in the first direction, such as to slow down the travel speed of the body of wave energy and/or form surfable white wash. Similarly, the first left reef 117a can interact with the body of wave energy formed from the foil 122 traveling in the second direction, such as to slow down the travel speed of the body of wave energy and/or form surfable white wash. For example, the first left reef 117a and the first right reef 119a can be wider compared to other reformation reefs 115 to allow the first left reef 117a and first right reef 119 can act as a speed bump and slow down the traversing body of wave energy 135. In some embodiments, the body of wave energy can travel over the first left reef 117a and first right reef 119 in a direction that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first left reef 117a and first right reef 119. This can allow for formation of a reformation wave 132 that is favorable for novice surfers (e.g., surfable white wash). Various examples of reformation reef 115 formations and reformation waves are described in detail below.

FIGS. 3A-8B illustrate an example of an embodiment of the primary wave 130 and reformation waves 132 formed along the channel 102 as a result of the foil 122 traveling along the channel 102 in the first direction. Although the following describes formation of the primary wave 130 and reformation waves 132 formed as a result of the foil 122 traveling in the first direction, similar primary wave 130 and reformation wave 132 formations can be made with the foil 122 traveling in the second direction, however, such waves would advance along the channel 102 in a different direction (e.g., opposite direction, mirrored direction, angled offset) from the waves formed as a result of the foil 122 traveling in the first direction.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the foil 122 can advance in the water 144 along the channel 102 in the first direction and form a primary wave 130, such as a right-breaking primary wave. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, during a first distance of travel of the foil 122, the primary wave 130 is formed adjacent a step 181 along the base floor 113, as well as formed along a deepest section 180 of the channel 102. As shown in FIG. 3A, the primary wave 130 can form adjacent the first side 108 and above a mean water line 119 (e.g., an average depth of the water 144 contained in the channel 102, as measured between the deepest section 180 and a surface of the water contained in the channel 102).

As shown in FIG. 3B, the advancing foil 122 can form a body of wave energy 135 (e.g., a swell) extending linearly or non-linearly (e.g., curvilinear) from the foil 122. The body of wave energy 135 can include the primary wave 130 and/or at least one reformation wave 132. The body of wave energy 135 can traverse the channel 102 in a same and/or different direction as the travel direction of the foil 122. For example, as the foil 122 advances in the first direction, the body of wave energy 135 also advances in at least the first direction, such as alongside and/or extending from the moving foil 122. The body of wave energy 135 can include a volume of water advancing along the channel 102, which can assist with forming the primary wave 130 and reformation waves 132.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a part of the body of wave energy 135 can form a reformation wave 132 (e.g., surfable whitewash) along a beach section 140 of the base 112. For example, the beach section 140 can include an area of the base 112 that is angled (e.g., angled upward from a deeper section of the channel to a side of the channel) and does not include a reef 115, which can allow for a long surfable wave (e.g., surfable white wash) that can accommodate one or more surfers, including novice surfers. As shown in FIG. 4B, the beach section 140 can extend adjacent and/or along the first right reef 117a and out towards the second side 106. In some embodiments, the beach section 140 can include a sloped base floor 113, such as a sloped base floor 113 having an angled and/or convex cross-section. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the primary wave 130 can be formed along the primary reef 150 and the reformation wave 132 can be formed along the first right reef 117a at the same time, thereby allowing at least two surfers to simultaneously surf in the wave pool 100.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the foil 122 has advanced along the channel 102 such that the body of wave energy 135 advances over the first right reef 117a, the first right reef 117a can cause a part of the body of wave energy 135 to form another reformation wave 132, such as a reformation wave 132 including a surfable wave face that can accommodate one or more surfers. As shown in FIG. 5B, the body of wave energy 135 can intersect the first right reef 117a such that the body of wave energy 135 is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first right reef 117a thereby allowing the first right reef 117a form a part of the body of wave energy 135 into at least one reformation wave 132. This can allow the body of wave energy 135 to simultaneously include the primary wave 130 formed along the primary reef 150 and at least two surfable reformation waves 132, including two reformation waves 132 having different wave characteristics (e.g., one reformation wave 132 including white wash and another reformation wave 132 including a surfable wave face). As such, multiple surfers can simultaneously surf along the channel 102 of the wave pool 100.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the foil 122 has advanced along the channel 102 such that the body of wave energy 135 intersects the second right reef 117b at an approximately right angle (e.g., the body of wave energy 135 is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second right reef 117b) and advances over the second right reef 117b, the second right reef 117b can cause a part of the body of wave energy 135 to form another reformation wave 132, such as another reformation wave 132 including a surfable wave face that can accommodate one or more surfers. As shown in FIG. 6B, the body of wave energy 135 can simultaneously include the primary wave 130 formed along the primary reef 150 and at least two surfable reformation waves 132 (e.g., formed by the first and second right reefs 117a and 117b). The two reformation waves 132 can include the same and/or different wave characteristics, such as two reformation waves 132 each including a surfable wave face. As such, multiple surfers can simultaneously surf along the channel 102 of the wave pool 100. Furthermore, as each new reformation wave 132 is formed, additional surfers can participate in surfing waves along the channel 102.

For example, as reformation waves 132 lose wave formation energy and/or approach the perimeter 103 of the channel 102, one or more surfers can either paddle out to catch another wave or exit the channel 102 without interfering with other surfers surfing active waves (e.g., the primary wave 130 and one or more other reformation waves 132). As such, the channel 102 can include multiple surfers along the channel 102, including at least one surfer surfing the primary wave 130, at least one surfer surfing one or more reformation waves 132, at least one surfer paddling to catch a wave, and at least one surfer entering/exiting the channel 102. This allows efficient use of the wave pool 100, including energy efficiency, such as by allowing multiple surfers to surf multiple waves formed along the channel 102 as a result of the foil 122 making a single traversal along the track 116 (e.g., in the first or second direction).

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when the foil 122 has advanced along the channel 102 such that the body of wave energy 135 intersects the third right reef 117c at a right angle (e.g., the body of wave energy 135 is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the third right reef 117c) and advances over the third right reef 117c, the third right reef 117c can cause a part of the body of wave energy 135 to form yet another reformation wave 132, such as a reformation wave 132 including a surfable wave face that can accommodate one or more surfers. As shown in FIG. 7B, by the time the body of wave energy 135 is advancing along the third right reef 117c, the reformation waves 132 formed from the first and second right reefs 117a and 117b may have ended (e.g., approached a beach or shallow area at or adjacent the second side 106 of the channel 102) and/or are no longer surfable. As also shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B the primary wave 130 can continue to be formed along the primary reef 150.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, when the foil 122 has advanced along the channel 102 such that the body of wave energy 135 advances over the first left reef 119a, the first left reef 119a can cause a part of the body of wave energy 135 to slow in speed of advancement along the channel and/or form another reformation wave, such as a surfable beach break (e.g., surfable white wash) along a beach break section 140 of the channel 102 adjacent the distal end 110. As shown in FIG. 8B, the body of wave energy 135 advances over the first left reef 119a such that the body of wave energy extends approximately parallel to the first left reef 119a. This can allow the first left reef 119a to slow advancement of the body of wave energy 135 and the reformation wave 132 (e.g., surfable white wash) that forms and advances along the beach section 140.

Various channel 102 characteristics assists with the formation of the primary wave 130 and reformation waves 132. For example, the base 112 of the channel can include the primary reef 150, reformation reef 115 and different contours and/or topographical features, such as the contours and topographical (or bathymetric) sections disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0063092, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate different base floor features 190 of the base 112 of the channel 102, such as for forming reformation waves 132 (in addition to the primary wave 130). As shown in FIG. 9A, the base floor feature 190 can include an angled base floor surface 113. As shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the base floor feature 190 can include different angled base floor surfaces 113, such as sections of the base floor surface 103 having increasing angles or steepness, such as an approximately 90 degree angled base floor feature 190, as shown in FIG. 9C.

In some embodiments, the channel 120 is formed for containing water at a mean surface or water level 129. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, the base 112 can include a contour or bathymetric section for cooperating with the moving foil 122 for forming at least one surfable wave. For example, at least a portion of the channel 102 includes a deep region 192 proximate the first side 104 of the channel 102. The deep region 192 can include a mean first depth below the mean water level 129 of the water 144 contained in the channel 102. As discussed above, such as with respect to FIG. 1B, the channel 120 can further include at least one reformation reef 115. In some embodiments, one or more reformation reefs 115 can extend upward and away from the deep region 192 to a mean second depth that is shallower than the mean first depth of the deep region 192. One or more reformation reefs 115 can have various contours and shapes both along its length and across a top surface of the reformation reef 115. For example, the top surface of a reformation reef 115 can be uniform in depth, or may include one or more hills, valleys, bumps, and variances, such as friction-forming mechanisms. In some implementations, one or more reformation reefs 115 can be formed from concrete or other rigid shapeable material.

The channel 102 can also include a beach shore region 194 that slopes up (e.g., away from one or more reformation reefs 115) and toward the second side 106, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C. The beach shore region 194 can assist with at least reducing reflected waves of the primary wave 130 and/or reformation waves 132, such as by spreading in length (in both the direction of travel and lateral direction) energy contained in swell or whitewater without giving it any upward/downward momentum. The beach shore region 194 can, for example, have a convex shape that can dampen waves that refract or reflect between the surface of the beach shore region 194 and the mean water surface 129 of the water 144. In some embodiments, the beach shore region 194 can include and/or be positioned adjacent a gutter that allows water to spill into for reducing chop and reflected wave energy along the channel 102.

Various wave generators and/or foil 122 embodiments can be included in the wave pool 100 for forming a variety of primary waves 130, as well as for assisting with forming reformation waves 132. For example, the foil 122 can be bi-directional such that the same foil 122 can be used to travel along the channel 102 in more than one direction, such as the first direction and the second direction, to form at least the primary waves 130 (e.g., left-breaking wave, right-breaking wave) and reformation waves 132 (e.g., white wash, left-breaking wave, right-breaking wave). Additionally, the foil 122, when moving along the track 116, is configured to direct a volume of water away (e.g., body of wave energy 135) from the first side 104 and towards the second side 106 and/or ends of the wave pool (e.g., proximal and distal ends).

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an embodiment of the foil 222 that can be incorporated in the wave pool 100. As shown in FIG. 10 the foil 222 can include a vertical front surface 202 (i.e. the surface that would be facing toward the primary reef 150 and/or reformation reefs 115 in the channel 102). The front surface 202 is defined by a proximal edge 204, a distal edge 206, a bottom edge 208 and a top edge 210. The vertical front surface 202 is substantially symmetrical around a central vertical axis a 300 between the proximal edge 204 and the distal edge 206, to provide substantially equal respective first and second wave forming surfaces 212 and 213, each of the first and second wave forming surfaces 212, 213 having a horizontal cross-sectional geometry that is concave about a front vertical axis in front of the vertical front surface thereof between a point defined by the respective proximal or distal edge 204, 206 and a midsection 214 of the foil. Both wave forming surfaces 212, 213 contribute to forming the primary wave 130, either acting as a leading edge to provide drag against the water to generate the primary wave 130, or as a trailing edge for flow recovery and minimizing oscillatory waves trailing the primary wave 130.

The foil 222 can be rotatable in a yaw angle α bout the central vertical axis a 300 to at least a first position and a second position. Each of the first and second positions can form a leading surface of one of the first and second wave forming surfaces 212, 213 and form a trailing surface of the other of the first and second wave forming surfaces 212, 213. The rotation to the first or second positions enables the leading surface to exert drag against the water when the foil 222 moves in a horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to the central vertical axis, in a direction β, to generate the primary wave 130 in the channel 102, and enables the trailing surface to decrease the drag of the leading surface to minimize oscillatory waves that trail the primary wave 130 from the water that moves past the leading surface. In some implementations, the foil 222 includes a vertical back surface having a V-shape outward about the central vertical axis al 300, with a vertex 217 opposite the front surface at the midsection 214 of the foil 222, and substantially straight or planar sides 218, 219 extending toward each of the proximal edge 204 and the distal edge 206, respectively, to form a leading back surface and a trailing back surface in the first position and the second position, respectively.

In some instances, the leading back surface is vertically oriented to be parallel to the horizontal direction β in the first position or the second position where side 218 of back wall 216 is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction β, while in other instances, depending on the yaw angle, the leading back surface can be slightly off parallel to the horizontal direction β. The yaw angle can be controlled and locked to any angle, but preferably between 0 and 20 degrees, and more preferably between 0 and 10 degrees. The yaw angle can be adjusted to any increment of a radian as desired.

In some embodiments, the foil 222 can further include a top surface 250 and a bottom surface 252, such that the vertical front surface 202, vertical back surface 216, the top surface 250, and the bottom surface 252 form a three-dimensional container or body. In yet other implementations, the foil 222 can include, or be attached with, a roll-adjusting mechanism to adjust a roll angle of the vertical front surface 202, so as to allow an angled departure from true vertical, i.e. 90 degrees from horizontal. Accordingly, the foil 222 can be rolled+/−up to 10 degrees. Such roll adjustment can also occur dynamically as the foil 222 traverses the channel 102, to further provide dynamically changing wave profiles and characteristics. The adjustment of the roll angle and the adjustment of the yaw angle can be done individually or in concert with at least one of the other adjustments.

As discussed above, the body of wave energy 135 formed as a result of the wave generator (e.g., foil 122, 222) traveling along the channel 102 can interact with a reef 115 to form a reformation wave 132. For example, a reef 115 can be positioned such that the length of the reef 115 (e.g., extending along a longitudinal axis L of the reef 115) extends approximately perpendicular to an oncoming body of wave energy 135 traveling in a first direction, such as toward the proximal end 108 of the channel 102, to thereby cause the body of wave energy 135 to form at least one reformation wave 132 (e.g., a left or right breaking wave). Additionally, the same reef 115 can be positioned such that the length of the reef 115 and/or the longitudinal axis of the reef 115 extends approximately parallel to an oncoming body of wave energy 135 traveling in a second direction, such as toward the distal end 110 of the channel 102. The parallel positioning of the reef 115 can result in the reef 115 not interfering with the body of wave energy 135 and/or not forming a reformation wave 132. This can allow the reefs 115, such as any of the reefs 115 forming reformation waves 132 (e.g., reformation reefs) to prevent interference with the body of wave energy 135 in one direction and cause formation of at least one reformation wave 132 in an opposing or mirrored direction.

For example, the first series of reefs 117 and second series of reefs 119 can be angled in a direction relative to the track 116 or side of the channel 102 such that each reef 115 is positioned approximately perpendicular or parallel to the body of wave energy 135 traveling in the first or second direction.

FIGS. 11A-11G illustrate additional embodiments of a wave pool 100 and can include any of the features and/or functions described above, which may not be repeated for sake of brevity. For example, the reef configurations shown in FIGS. 11A-11G can form at least a left breaking primary wave, a right breaking primary wave, at least one left breaking reformation wave, and at least one right breaking reformation wave. Furthermore, the reef configurations shown in FIGS. 11A-11G can form surfable white wash, such as along the beach sections 140.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the reef configuration of the wave pool 100 can include an embodiment of the first series of reefs 117, including the first right reef 117a, the second right reef 117b, and the third right reef 117c. Additionally, the wave pool 100 can include an embodiment of the second series of reefs 119, including the first left reef 119a, the second left reef 119b, and the third left reef 119c. For example, the first series of reefs 117 can be angled relative to the first side 104 (e.g., along which the wave generator travels along) such that the first series of reefs 117 intersect the body of wave energy 135 at approximately a right angle α nd cause the body of wave energy 135 traveling in the second direction (e.g., towards the distal end 110) to form at least one reformation wave 132. Additionally, the first series of reefs 117 can be angled relative to the first side 104 such that the first series of reefs 117 are positioned approximately parallel to the body of wave energy 135 traveling in the first direction (e.g., towards the proximal end 108) and thus does not interfere or cause the body of wave energy 135 traveling in the first direction to form a reformation wave. This allows controlled and unimpeded formation of a variety of reformation waves 132 along the channel 102. Various other reef configurations are described to provide examples of how the current subject matter can be implemented in a variety of reef configurations to allow a variety of reformation waves 132 to be formed along the channel 102.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11A, some reef configurations include one or more secondary reefs, such as secondary reefs 180a and 180b. The secondary reefs 180a and 180b can extend from a side of an adjacent reef 115 and form additional reformation waves 132, such as a breaking reformation wave and/or surfable white wash. As shown in FIG. 11A, a first secondary reef 180a can extend approximately perpendicular from the first right reef 117a and a second secondary reef 180 can extend approximately perpendicular form the first left reef 119a. In some embodiments, a trough or trench can extend along the secondary reefs 180, such as along a length of the secondary reef 180.

FIG. 11B illustrates another reef configuration of the wave pool 100 including an embodiment of the first series of reefs 117 and the second series of reefs 119 including features and elements described above with respect to FIG. 11A. As shown in FIG. 11B, the first right reef 117a and first left reef 119a can have a similar angle α nd be disconnected from the other reefs 115. Additionally, the third right reef 117c and third left reef 119c can connect to adjacent reefs at one or both ends.

FIG. 11C illustrates another reef configuration of the wave pool 100 including an embodiment of the first series of reefs 117 and the second series of reefs 119 including features and elements described above with respect to FIG. 11A. As shown in FIG. 11C, the first and second series of reefs 117 and 119 can each include two reefs with each reef crossing an adjacent reef near an end of the adjacent reef. For example, the first right reef 117a can cross the second left reef 119b adjacent ends of both reefs, such as ends adjacent the second side of the channel 102.

FIG. 11D illustrates another reef configuration of the wave pool 100 including an embodiment of the first series of reefs 117 and the second series of reefs 119 including features and elements described above with respect to FIG. 11A. As shown in FIG. 11D, the first and second series of reefs 117 and 119 can each include three reefs with each reef crossing an adjacent reef near an end of the adjacent reef. For example, the second right reef 117b can cross the second left reef 119b adjacent ends of both reefs, such as ends adjacent the second side of the channel 102. As shown in FIGS. 11B-11D, the reefs of the first and second series of reefs 117 and 119 can have similar shapes and sizes (e.g., lengths and/or widths). In some embodiments, the one or more reefs 115 can vary minimally and/or significantly in shape and/or size.

FIG. 11E illustrates another reef configuration of the wave pool 100 including an embodiment of the first series of reefs 117 and the second series of reefs 119 including features and elements described above with respect to FIG. 11A. As shown in FIG. 11E, the first and second series of reefs 117 and 119 can each include two reefs with the first right reef 117a and first left reef 119a extending along an arc and not intersecting an adjacent reef. As shown in FIG. 11E, the second left reef 119b can intersect the second right reef 117b adjacent ends of both reefs, such as ends adjacent the second side of the channel 102.

FIG. 11F illustrates another reef configuration of the wave pool 100 including an embodiment of the first series of reefs 117 and the second series of reefs 119 including features and elements described above with respect to FIG. 11A. As shown in FIG. 11F, the first and second series of reefs 117 and 119 can each include three reefs with the first right reef 117a and first left reef 119a extending along an arc and not intersecting an adjacent reef. Additionally, the third left reef 119c can intersect the third right reef 117c, and the second left reef 119b and second right reef 117b can extend approximately linearly and join an adjacent reef at a distal end, as shown in FIG. 11F.

FIG. 11G illustrates another reef configuration of the wave pool 100 including an embodiment of the first series of reefs 117 and the second series of reefs 119 including features and elements described above with respect to FIG. 11A. As shown in FIG. 11G, the first and second series of reefs 117 and 119 can each include three reefs with the first right reef 117a and first left reef 119a extending along an arc and not intersecting an adjacent reef, as well as include a shape that is substantially wider compared to the other reefs of the first and second series of reefs 117 and 119, respectively. Additionally, the second and third left reefs 119b and 119c, respectively, can intersect and/or contact the third and second right reefs 117c and 117b, respectively. Other reef configurations are within the scope of this disclosure that allows a variety of reefs to bi-directionally form a primary reef and at least one reformation reef in a body of water without departing the scope of this disclosure.

Although embodiments have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the following claims.

In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of” or “one or more of” may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and/or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it is used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and/or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.

The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail herein, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above can be directed to various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features further to those disclosed herein. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the accompanying figures and/or described herein do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. The scope of the following claims may include other implementations or embodiments.

Claims

1. A wave pool, comprising:

a channel for containing water, the channel having a first side, a second side, a proximal end, and a distal end, the channel comprising: a base extending between the first side and the second side and between the proximal end and the distal end, the base comprising: a base floor; a primary reef extending adjacent and approximately parallel to the first side of the channel; and a plurality of reformation reefs each extending at an angle relative to the first side of the channel; and
a track positioned along the first side of the channel; and
a foil that is movable along the track, the foil positioned to travel through the water contained in the channel for forming a body of wave energy, the body of wave energy including a primary wave formed along the primary reef, the body of wave energy further including a plurality of reformation waves that are each formed along one or more reformation reefs of the plurality of reformation reefs.

2. The wave pool of claim 1, wherein each reformation wave of the plurality of reformation waves are formed as a result of the body of wave energy traveling over and/or along at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs.

3. The wave pool of claim 1, wherein each reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs extend relative to the first side of the channel and/or the track at the angle that is approximately 30 degrees to approximately 50 degrees.

4. The wave pool of claim 1, wherein at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs extend linearly along the base floor.

5. The wave pool of claim 1, wherein at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs extend along an arc along the base floor.

6. The wave pool of claim 1, wherein at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs is integrated into the base floor such that the at least one reformation reef is immovable.

7. The wave pool of claim 1, wherein at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs is movable relative to the base floor.

8. The wave pool of claim 1, wherein the plurality of reformation reefs include a first series of reformation reefs and a second series of reformation reefs, the first series of reformation reefs positioned to form a first set of reformation waves as a result of the foil traveling in a first direction along the track, and the second set of reformation reefs being positioned to form a second set of reformation waves as a result of the foil traveling in a second direction along the track that is opposite the first direction.

9. The wave pool of claim 8, wherein the first series of reformation reefs includes at least two reformation reefs and the second series of reformation reefs includes at least two reformation reefs.

10. The wave pool of claim 8, wherein the first series of reformation reefs includes a first left reformation reef and a second left reformation reef, the first left reformation reef having a first width, the second left reformation reef including a second width, the first width being wider than the second width.

11. The wave pool of claim 10, wherein the first left reformation reef is positioned closer to the proximal end of the channel compared to the second left reformation reef.

12. The wave pool of claim 1, wherein each reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs is positioned along the base floor such that the body of wave energy intersects the reformation reef at an approximately 90 degree angle or advances approximately parallel to the reformation reef depending on whether the foil is traveling in the first direction or the second direction.

13. The wave pool of claim 1, wherein the at least one reformation wave and the primary wave are formed simultaneously to allow simultaneous surfing by a first surfer along the at least one reformation wave and a second surfer along the primary wave.

14. The wave pool of claim 1, wherein the foil is bi-directional and configured to form a body of wave energy including the primary wave and the plurality of reformation waves when traveling in a first direction along the track and when traveling in a second direction along the track that is opposite from the first direction.

15. A wave pool, comprising:

a channel for containing water, the channel having a first side, a second side, a proximal end, and a distal end, the channel comprising: a base extending between the first side and the second side and between the proximal end and the distal end, the base comprising: a base floor; a primary reef extending adjacent and approximately parallel to the first side of the channel; and
a reformation reef extending at an angle relative to the first side of the channel; and
a track positioned along the first side of the channel; and
a foil that is movable along the track, the foil positioned to travel through the water contained in the channel for forming a body of wave energy, the body of wave energy including a primary wave formed as a result of the body of wave energy interacting with the primary reef, the body of wave energy further including a reformation wave that is simultaneously formed with the primary wave as a result of the body of wave energy interacting with the reformation reef.

16. The wave pool of claim 15, wherein the reformation wave is formed as a result of the body of wave energy traveling over and/or along the reformation reef.

17. The wave pool of claim 15, wherein the reformation reef extends relative to the first side of the channel and/or the track at the angle that is approximately 30 degrees to approximately 50 degrees.

18. The wave pool of claim 15, wherein the reformation reef extends linearly along the base floor.

19. The wave pool of claim 15, wherein the reformation reef extends along an arc along the base floor.

20. The wave pool of claim 15, wherein the reformation reef is integrated into the base floor such that the reformation reef is immovable.

21. The wave pool of claim 15, wherein the reformation reef is movable relative to the base floor.

22. The wave pool of claim 15, wherein the reformation reef is positioned along the base floor such that the body of wave energy intersects the reformation reef at an approximately 90 degree angle or advances approximately parallel to the reformation reef depending on whether the foil is traveling in a first direction or a second direction.

23. The wave pool of claim 15, wherein the reformation wave and the primary wave are formed simultaneously to allow simultaneous surfing by a first surfer along the reformation wave and a second surfer along the primary wave.

24. A method of forming a primary wave and a plurality of reformation waves along a wave pool, the method comprising:

advancing a foil along a channel of a wave pool, the wave pool comprising:
a base extending between a first side and a second side of the channel and between a proximal end and a distal end of the channel, the base comprising: a base floor; a primary reef extending adjacent and approximately parallel to the first side of the channel; and a plurality of reformation reefs each extending at an angle relative to the first side of the channel; and
a track positioned along the first side of the channel, wherein the foil is movable along the track and positioned to travel through the water contained in the channel for forming a body of wave energy, the body of wave energy including a primary wave formed along the primary reef, the body of wave energy further including a plurality of reformation waves that are each formed along one or more reformation reefs of the plurality of reformation reefs; and forming the primary wave as a result of advancing the foil along the channel to cause the body of wave energy to interact with the primary reef; and forming the plurality of reformation waves as a result of advancing the foil along the channel to cause the body of wave energy to interact with the plurality of reformation reefs.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the forming of the primary wave and the forming of the reformation wave are performed simultaneously.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the body of wave energy includes a primary wave and at least one reformation wave.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the primary wave and the reformation wave are surfable by at least two surfers.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein each reformation wave of the plurality of reformation waves are formed as a result of the body of wave energy traveling over and/or along at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs.

29. The method of claim 24, wherein each reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs extend relative to the first side of the channel and/or the track at the angle that is approximately 30 degrees to approximately 50 degrees.

30. The method of claim 24, wherein at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs extend linearly along the base floor.

31. The method of claim 24, wherein at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs extend along an arc along the base floor.

32. The method of claim 24, wherein at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs is integrated into the base floor such that the at least one reformation reef is immovable.

33. The method of claim 24, wherein at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs is movable relative to the base floor.

34. The method of claim 24, wherein the plurality of reformation reefs include a first series of reformation reefs and a second series of reformation reefs, the first series of reformation reefs positioned to form a first set of reformation waves as a result of the foil traveling in a first direction along the track, and the second set of reformation reefs being positioned to form a second set of reformation waves as a result of the foil traveling in a second direction along the track that is opposite the first direction.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the first series of reformation reefs includes at least two reformation reefs and the second series of reformation reefs includes at least two reformation reefs.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the first series of reformation reefs includes a first left reformation reef and a second left reformation reef, the first left reformation reef having a first width, the second left reformation reef including a second width, the first width being wider than the second width.

37. The method of claim 24, wherein the first left reformation reef is positioned closer to the proximal end of the channel compared to the second left reformation reef.

38. The method of claim 24, wherein each reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs is positioned along the base floor such that the body of wave energy intersects the reformation reef at an approximately 90 degree angle or advances approximately parallel to the reformation reef depending on whether the foil is traveling in the first direction or the second direction.

39. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one reformation wave and the primary wave are formed simultaneously to allow simultaneous surfing by a first surfer along the at least one reformation wave and a second surfer along the primary wave.

40. The method of claim 24, wherein the foil is bi-directional and configured to form a body of wave energy including the primary wave and the plurality of reformation waves when traveling in a first direction along the track and when traveling in a second direction along the track that is opposite from the first direction.

41. A wave pool, comprising:

a channel for containing water, the channel having a first side, a second side, a proximal end, and a distal end, the channel comprising: a base extending between the first side and the second side and between the proximal end and the distal end, the base comprising: a base floor; a primary reef extending adjacent and approximately parallel to the first side of the channel; and a plurality of reformation reefs each extending at an angle relative to the first side of the channel; and
a wave generator configured to travel through the water contained in the channel for forming a body of wave energy, the body of wave energy including a primary wave formed along the primary reef, the body of wave energy further including a plurality of reformation waves that are each formed along one or more reformation reefs of the plurality of reformation reefs.

42. The wave pool of claim 41, wherein each reformation wave of the plurality of reformation waves are formed as a result of the body of wave energy traveling over and/or along at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs.

43. The wave pool of claim 41, wherein each reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs extend relative to the first side of the channel at the angle that is approximately 30 degrees to approximately 50 degrees.

44. The wave pool of claim 41, wherein at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs extend linearly along the base floor.

45. The wave pool of claim 41, wherein at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs extend along an arc along the base floor.

46. The wave pool of claim 41, wherein at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs is integrated into the base floor such that the at least one reformation reef is immovable.

47. The wave pool of claim 41, wherein at least one reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs is movable relative to the base floor.

48. The wave pool of claim 41, wherein the plurality of reformation reefs include a first series of reformation reefs and a second series of reformation reefs, the first series of reformation reefs positioned to form a first set of reformation waves as a result of the wave generator traveling in a first direction, and the second set of reformation reefs being positioned to form a second set of reformation waves as a result of the wave generator traveling in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

49. The wave pool of claim 48, wherein the first series of reformation reefs includes at least two reformation reefs and the second series of reformation reefs includes at least two reformation reefs.

50. The wave pool of claim 48, wherein the first series of reformation reefs includes a first left reformation reef and a second left reformation reef, the first left reformation reef having a first width, the second left reformation reef including a second width, the first width being wider than the second width.

51. The wave pool of claim 50, wherein the first left reformation reef is positioned closer to the proximal end of the channel compared to the second left reformation reef.

52. The wave pool of claim 41, wherein each reformation reef of the plurality of reformation reefs is positioned along the base floor such that the body of wave energy intersects the reformation reef at an approximately 90 degree angle or advances approximately parallel to the reformation reef depending on whether the wave generator is traveling in the first direction or the second direction.

53. The wave pool of claim 41, wherein the at least one reformation wave and the primary wave are formed simultaneously to allow simultaneous surfing by a first surfer along the at least one reformation wave and a second surfer along the primary wave.

54. The wave pool of claim 41, wherein the wave generator is bi-directional and configured to form a body of wave energy including the primary wave and the plurality of reformation waves when traveling in a first direction and when traveling in a second direction that is opposite from the first direction.

55. The wave pool of claim 41, wherein the wave generator is a foil, a paddle array, a caisson, or a plunger.

Patent History
Publication number: 20240218683
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 2, 2022
Publication Date: Jul 4, 2024
Inventors: Adam Fincham (Los Angeles, CA), Michal Pieszka (Santa Monica, CA), Robert Kelly Slater (Cocoa Beach, FL), Christopher A. Phebus (Los Angeles, CA), Harold Portillo (Alhambra, CA)
Application Number: 17/909,975
Classifications
International Classification: E04H 4/00 (20060101); A63B 69/00 (20060101);