Patent Application
20050286976
The present invention relates to a wave generating system, and in particular, to a wave generating system adapted to travel within a body of water having an extended shore with wave enhancing features thereon.
Water theme parks have become popular in recent years. Water theme parks generally consist of water rides and often provide other water related activities.
An attraction that has become popular at many water theme parks throughout the country is the wave pool. Wave pools are typically man-made bodies of water wherein a wave generator is located at one end of the pool, and a simulated beach is located at the other end, wherein waves are created by the wave generator that travel across the pool and break onto the beach. In particular, attempts have been made to create spilling, breaking waves using mechanical wave generators that are designed to push large amounts of water back and forth in the pool. This movement is created on the deep end of the pool and involves creating waves that travel toward the opposite shallower end where the waves break. These generators are often driven by motors, such as those that are mechanically, pneumatically, or hydraulically operated.
While many different methods have been attempted, one of the shortcomings of wave pools is that they typically create waves by moving water back and forth, and therefore, can only create a single wave at a time. That is, in most wave pools, only a single periodic wave can be created by the wave generator at any given moment in time, wherein the passage of time is required between successive waves. This requires one wave to pass before another is created. Although different sized and shaped beaches can be provided, and wave frequencies can be increased, only one wave is created at one time. In such circumstances, particularly when wave pools are crowded, there is often little space or opportunity for participants to ride the waves. Either the occupancy of the wave pool must be limited, or larger wave pools with additional wave generating capacity must be provided, in order for more people to enjoy riding the waves.
Conventional wave pools also typically only have a single sloped beach area upon which the waves will break. In such case, people who want to perform water skimming maneuvers in the shallow areas near the beach often have to share the same space with those who simply want to wade, such as children and the elderly, which can disadvantageously increase the risk of accident and create an overcrowded situation within the pool.
The unavailability of usable space within the wave pool also makes it difficult to create surfable quality waves and for participants to take advantage of waves that are produced. In conventional wave pools, water is moved back and forth on one end of the pool, and waves created by this movement must travel across the pool, and then be acted upon by the inclined surface of the pool floor for the waves to form and eventually break. In this respect, there must be sufficient length within the pool for the waves to travel far enough to curl and finally spill onto the beach. Also, even if surfable quality waves can be created, competition for space within the pool can make it difficult for participants to perform surfing and skimming maneuvers on the waves that are created.
In view of the limitations of existing wave pools, as outlined above, the invention described herein is concerned with a wave pool that produces various wave formations on which water skimming and surfing maneuvers can be performed, and that increases the number and variety of wave formations that can be created, so that participants with different interests and skills can co-exist and play at the same time in the same pool.
The present invention relates to a wave generating system that increases the amount of throughput and usable space provided by a wave pool, and produces various wave formations on which water skimming and surfing maneuvers can safely be performed.
One aspect of the present invention involves providing a wave generator located within the middle of the wave pool which travels from one end of the pool to the other along a submerged track. The track is preferably located on the pool floor, and enables the wave generator to slide/travel thereon, in a manner that allows the wave generator to travel along the surface of the body of water, wherein waves that travel outwardly from the wave generator toward the shoreline can be created.
In one embodiment, the wave generator can create both primary and secondary waves, which can be separate waves, or phases of the same wave, as will be discussed, that expand outward toward opposite sides of the shore. Primary waves are formed in close proximity to the wave generator (to enable surfing maneuvers to be performed in a relatively deep water environment), and secondary waves are created by the combination of the effect of the primary waves, plus the displacement of water caused by the generator as it travels through water, wherein enhanced secondary waves can travel outward, i.e., in opposite directions, toward the shore.
By virtue of creating waves in this manner, two sets of primary and secondary waves can be created by a single wave generator, wherein two primary waves can travel outwardly from the wave generator in opposite directions, and two secondary waves can travel in opposite directions toward opposing shorelines. When the primary waves transition and help to form secondary waves, the resultant wave is an enhanced secondary wave that travels toward shore, which can then be acted upon by the inclined floor to create curling, spilling, plunging, collapsing and/or surging type breaking waves along the shoreline.
By positioning the track in substantially the middle of the pool in this manner, and providing separate shorelines with beaches on opposite sides of the track, the wave generator of the present invention can create two sets of primary and secondary waves, traveling in opposite directions toward opposing sides of the pool, wherein unique wave formations for performing surfing maneuvers can be created. For example, variations along the pool floor can be adapted to create various wave effects and formations upon which surfing and skimming maneuvers can be performed.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,105,527; 5,911,190; 5,860,766; 5,664,910 are incorporated herein by reference. The wave generator of the present invention is preferably a wave forming device that can be pulled and/or pushed through a body of water in a relatively deep water environment. The wave generator preferably has wave or flow forming surfaces that are designed to act upon the surface of the water as it is pushed/pulled. For example, the wave generator can be mounted on or otherwise attached to a sled that can travel along the submerged track (wherein a cable can be used to pull the sled), or a partially submerged vehicle that can travel along the track.
As the wave generator moves along the water surface in this manner, the wave generator preferably displaces water in a manner that creates surfable quality waves. In the preferred embodiment, the wave generator preferably has leading edges that are capable of cutting and lifting water upward, and/or pushing water outward. Wave forming surfaces are preferably extended above and behind the leading edges, wherein they are preferably curved upward and outward in a concave manner, in both horizontal and vertical directions, to enable water to be lifted up, and displaced laterally outward, away from the wave generator. In this manner, when the wave generator travels through water, it preferably cuts through and displaces water in a manner that helps to create various wave formations in the water.
In this respect, primary waves are those upon which participants can perform surfing maneuvers in a relatively deep water environment (formed in close proximity to the wave generator). These are often called primary bow waves, insofar as they are typically created by the “bow” of the wave generator, i.e., water is displaced upward and laterally outward, forming waves that curl outward from the sides of the wave generator. The secondary waves, on the other hand, are generally formed as part of the second phase of the primary wave, in conjunction with the transverse and divergent waves that are naturally created as the wave generator travels through the water. As the wave generator travels through water, water is displaced by and away from the wave generator, i.e., behind the generator, and, as water seeks its own level (by the restoring force of gravity), it tends to fill the area behind the wave generator, wherein transverse and divergent waves are formed and then combine to form secondary wave formations that spread outwardly in the form of a V toward the shore.
In the preferred embodiment, the motions created by the wave generator preferably combine “synergistically” to create an “enhanced secondary wave” that tends to be larger than the second phase of the primary wave, transverse wave or divergent wave by itself. By virtue of the flow forming surfaces incorporated into the design of the wave generator, the various momentums in the water caused by the wave generator preferably combine together, to create an enhanced secondary wave, with synergistic properties that ultimately travels toward the shore.
The depth at which the wave generator's leading edges are positioned relative to the water surface preferably determines the thickness of the primary wave formations that are formed, insofar as the depth controls the amount of water that is lifted up and displaced by the wave generator. The deeper the leading edges of the wave generator are positioned in relation to the water surface, the more water that can be lifted and pushed upward by the wave generator, thereby enabling the wave generator to create relatively thick primary waves. The shallower the leading edges are positioned in relation to the water surface, on the other hand, the less water that can be lifted and pushed upward by the wave generator, thereby enabling the wave generator to create relatively thin waves. The wave generator is preferably maintained at a level and in a manner that helps to keep the leading edges at a substantially constant level in the water, i.e., along the surface of the water, such that when the wave generator moves through the water, the leading edges help to scoop up a sheet flow of water having a relatively uniform thickness upwardly and laterally as conducive to surfing.
The wave generator is preferably connected to a sled, vehicle, or other device or mechanism that rolls, slides, or is pulled/pushed along the submerged track. For example, the sled can have a stem extended up to the wave generator in a manner that helps to keep the wave generator at a substantially constant level in the water, i.e., with the leading edge just below the surface of the water. Mounting the wave generator on a rigid stem extending from the sled at a predetermined distance allows the depth at which the wave generator travels in the water to be maintained relatively constant.
In another embodiment, the wave generator can be buoyant, and be pulled by a cable at a predetermined distance from the sled to help maintain the wave generator at the appropriate depth. In yet another embodiment, the wave generator can be mounted on a partially submerged vehicle that can travel along the track, wherein the wave generator can be positioned at a constant level relative to the water surface.
In the rigid stem embodiment, because it is not always easy to maintain the level of water constant, i.e., due to temperature and weather changes, or other variances, the stem can be made adjustable so that the wave generator can be positioned at different levels, depending on how much water is in the pool. The adjustability of the stem can be provided, for example, by using telescoping members, with a fastening means that allows the wave generator to be set at a predetermined distance above the sled. In other embodiments, other adjustment means can be provided to adjust the level of the wave generator relative to the water surface.
Preferably, the wave generator has two substantially identical wave generating surfaces on either side, wherein each one is capable of creating wave formations that travel in opposite directions. The wave generator preferably has symmetrical leading edges and wave forming surfaces that help to displace water uniformly and in opposite directions, thereby creating a relatively balanced V shaped wake. The V shaped wake, in turn, helps to create two mirror-image wave formations that flow in opposite directions toward the shore.
In another embodiment, the wave generator can be adapted with only one wave forming surface on one side, so that only one primary wave is created. This embodiment is preferably used in wave pools that are smaller and only have one shoreline, on one side relative to the wave generator, along which the waves break.
The wave generator also preferably travels in two directions along the track. This way, it can generate waves traveling in one direction, and then generate additional waves traveling in the other direction, i.e., back and forth along the track. For example, in one embodiment, the wave generator can be adapted to pivot at the end of the track, so that the direction that the forward end faces can easily be reversed. This way, when the wave generator reaches one end of the track, the wave generator can be turned around, and then pushed/pulled in the other direction, to create primary and secondary waves traveling in the opposite direction. And, when the wave generator reaches the other end of the track, the wave generator can be turned around again, wherein it can then be pushed/pulled back in the opposite direction, to create more primary and secondary waves. This back and forth movement can be repeated to create waves that travel in opposite directions.
In another embodiment, the wave generator can have dual wave generating surfaces, each facing opposite directions. This way, rather than having to pivot the wave generator when it comes to a stop at the end of the track, it preferably has two sets of leading edges and wave forming surfaces facing opposite directions, so that the wave generator can be pushed/pulled in two directions, to create primary and secondary waves traveling in opposite directions.
Based on the above, the present invention contemplates that the wave generator of the present invention can create four different wave formations that travel in four different directions, i.e., two that expand outward in the shape of a V in one direction, and another two that expand outward in the shape of a V in the opposite direction.
Another aspect of the present invention preferably involves employing beach areas or shorelines with undulating patterns having predetermined curvatures and slopes, etc., designed to increase the number and types of curling, spilling and/or breaking wave formations that can be created by a single solitary wave. This aspect of the invention is preferably accomplished by providing an undulating shoreline (i.e., with intermittent peninsula and cove areas) that can cause each enhanced secondary wave to break in one manner in one area, and in another manner in another area, etc. The undulations are preferably provided so that as the waves travel toward the shore and break, the breaking sequences can be repeated over and over along the two shorelines. And, depending on how many undulating areas are provided, a predetermined number of wave formations can be created along the shoreline, thereby providing multiple opportunities for participants to ride the waves.
In the present invention, the curvatures, slopes and patterns of the shoreline preferably serve to enhance the wave formations formed by the wave generator, and create additional wave effects along the shore. In this respect, the shoreline is preferably adapted so that it can create additional waves and wave formations from a single enhanced secondary wave. As the enhanced secondary wave travels through the water, it can be affected by the slope and curvature of not only the pool floor, but the curvature and slope of the shoreline, such that as the wave travels further toward and/or across the shoreline, it can form multiple wave formations, each capable of breaking independently on the beach. This can be accomplished, for example, by the undulation of the shoreline, with intermittent peninsulas and cove areas, which are preferably extended along both sides of the shore.
The creation of these different and multiple wave formations enables a wide variety of water skimming and surfing maneuvers to be performed at the same time at various locations within the same pool. For example, the present invention preferably creates primary waves upon which participants can perform surfing maneuvers in a relatively deep water environment (near the wave generator). The primary waves then transition to help form secondary waves, which are then acted upon by the other motions created by the wave generator, to create enhanced secondary wave formations that travel toward the shore. When the enhanced secondary waves travel toward the shore, they create additional wave effects along the undulating shorelines, on which many other participants can perform additional surfing and/or water skimming maneuvers.
The angle at which the waves travel toward shore, and how they break relative to the beach, can be modified by the peninsulas and undulations along the shoreline. That is, by forming peninsulas and cove areas, which modify the angle at which the secondary waves break onto the sloped floor, the type of wave that can be formed at any given location along the length of the beach can be altered. This enables the direction of the waves relative to the shoreline, and how they break along the beach, to be modified from one location to another, which enables a greater variety of wave formations to be created. This enables the water park operator to create different waves, to give variety to the users.
The wave formations also enable participants to easily enter into and exit from the ridable areas of the breaking waves, from any of many different locations on the shoreline. And, because of the repetitive nature of the undulations, substantially identical wave formations and characteristics can be duplicated from one area to the next, thereby increasing predictability and safety. The present invention also provides multiple areas within the pool where participants can simply wade in shallow water, without interruption and interference by any other participant.
In another embodiment, one side of the pool is preferably provided with an undulated beach area, and the other side, i.e., the side opposite the track, is provided with a containment wall. This embodiment can be used in areas where the size of the pool must be limited due to space limitations. The wave generator in this embodiment is preferably the kind that has only one wave forming surface on one side, as discussed above, to create wave formations that travel toward one side of the pool. Because asymmetrical forces would necessarily act upon the wave generator as it travels through the water, however, the wave generator in this embodiment is preferably symmetrical to the axis of travel and either (1) secured to a sled running along a track in a manner that helps maintain the wave generator in substantial equilibrium, i.e., to keep it moving in the direction of travel without being tilted or pushed sideways from the path, or (2) pulled by a cable wherein the hydraulic interaction between generator and water is balanced to achieve a stable steady state flow condition.
a is an overhead view of the wave generator of the present invention;
b is a side view of the wave generator of the present invention showing its relationship to the water line;
a through 10e are provided to show the movement of the wave generator and the waves created thereby as it travels across the pool, wherein each figure represents a point in time showing how the waves travel and break along the undulated shoreline.
In one embodiment, the submerged track 5 comprises a pair of channels 10, as shown in
The sled 9 can, in one embodiment, be adapted to slide within the channels 10, using water as the lubricant, wherein by adapting the wave generator 1 to move freely within the body of water 3, the sled 9 can be adapted to slide relatively freely within the channels 10, without any additional mechanical means. For example, the wave generator 1 can be adapted to float so that its buoyancy reduces the effective weight of the wave generator 1 on track 5, wherein sled 9 can then slide through channels 10 with very little friction being applied.
In another embodiment, the sled 9 can have a plurality of rollers 16, as shown in
The wave generator 1 is a wave forming device that is adapted to travel substantially along the surface of the body of water 3 to cause water to be displaced in a manner that creates primary and secondary waves, much like a boat traveling through water. As shown in
The flow forming surfaces 15 preferably have both horizontal and vertical concave curvatures or slopes, such that as water is lifted up onto the hulls, 12a and 12b, the sheet flow of water will conform to the contours of the flow forming surfaces 15. The hulls, 12a and 12b, preferably extend substantially horizontally outwardly at an angle, forming a substantial V-shape from above, as shown in
The wave generator 1 has an inclined concave curvature which causes water flowing over the flow forming surfaces 15 to flow in an upward, lateral and ultimately forward direction, relative to the surrounding water, as it moves through the water. The hulls 12a and 12b are preferably oriented substantially laterally at an angle, as discussed above, which can cause the sheet flow of water to flow upward and laterally across the flow forming surfaces 15, forming substantially identical wave shapes 18 on either side of the wave generator 1.
The incline and/or the degree of curvature of the flow forming surfaces 15 and their lateral orientations determine the amount of forward, upward and lateral momentum exerted on the sheet flow of water, as the wave generator 1 travels through water, and functional to the speed of the wave generator 1 through the water, the size, character, and height of the wave shapes. For example, if the flow forming surfaces 15 have a relatively steep incline, and/or a relatively concave curvature, the wave shapes that are formed are likely to be relatively steep and of a plunging character. Conversely, if the flow forming surfaces 15 have a relatively shallow incline, and/or relatively open curvature, the wave shapes that are formed are likely to have less of an incline and an unbroken or spilling character. In addition, if the angle of lateral orientation is relatively wide, the wave generator 1 is likely to impart a greater lateral momentum to the water as water flows across the flow forming surfaces 15, wherein water is likely to flow further laterally away from the wave generator 1 as it travels through the water. On the other hand, if the wave generator 1 is made relatively narrow, the wave generator 1 is likely to impart only a small amount of lateral momentum to the water, wherein less lateral trajectory is likely to be created.
In the preferred embodiment, the wave generator 1 is preferably symmetrical in configuration, such that as it travels through water, the hydrodynamic forces acting on the generator 1 help to keep it aligned in the direction of travel A. The double hull design preferably extends substantially identically on both sides of the forward end 11, wherein the hulls 12a and 12b can experience substantially identical hydrodynamic forces, tending to stabilize the device in a forward direction.
Keeping the wave generator 1 substantially level, and the leading edges 13a and 13b at a substantially constant depth in the water, are important aspects to the successful formation of primary wave shapes 18. The depth of the leading edges 13a and 13b relative to the water surface level 14, can determine the thickness and consistency of the sheet flow of water lifted onto the flow forming surfaces 15, wherein it can determine the overall size and consistency of the primary wave shapes 18. In this respect, the wave generator 1 is preferably designed so that the leading edges 13a and 13b are consistently maintained below the water surface at between 8 to 36 inches, which is sufficient to pare the top layer of water that passes up onto the flow forming surfaces 15, and allow the downward gravitational force to interact with the upward flow and cause the resultant wave effect.
In one embodiment, the wave generator 1 is connected to stem 7 that extends upward from sled 9, such that hulls 12a and 12b extend substantially above the water line 14, as shown in
Because it is difficult to control the level of the water in the body of water 3, due to evaporation, rain and other conditions, etc., the present invention contemplates that stem 7 can be provided with an adjustability feature, such that the height of the wave generator 1 in relation to sled 9 can be adjusted. This can be accomplished, for example, by adapting stem 7 with telescoping members and a holding means to maintain the wave generator 1 at a proper adjustable height. In this respect, any of many conventional methods of adjusting and controlling the height of the wave generator 1 on stem 7 can be used.
In another embodiment, the wave generator 1 can be made of buoyant material so that it floats on the surface of the water. In this embodiment, the wave generator 1 can be pulled by the sled 9 with a separate cable (extending between the sled 9 and wave generator 1), and is preferably adapted to be symmetrical in design so that it can remain in substantial hydrodynamic equilibrium, and at a substantially constant level in the water, as the wave generator 1 travels through water. Various buoyancy and planing forces, as well as the weight and drag forces that can be applied, are preferably taken into consideration, to adapt the wave generator 1 in this manner. For a better understanding of the different designs that are possible, which could affect the way the wave generator 1 can travel through the water, and how the wave generator 1 can be designed to account for these forces, resort should be made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,910, which is incorporated herein by reference.
In either embodiment, when the wave generator 1 is accelerated through water, hydrodynamic forces can act upon the hulls 12a and 12b, making it difficult, on the basis of the buoyancy and weight alone, to keep the wave generator 1 in substantial equilibrium. The shape of the wave generator 1, therefore, in conjunction with its weight and buoyancy, is preferably designed to help stabilize the wave generator 1 in the water, even during rapid acceleration. Water flowing over the wave generator 1, for instance, can create a downward force, as water is lifted up onto the flow forming surfaces 15, wherein the speed and angle at which the generator 1 travels can be affected. Pulling the wave generator 1 through the water can also cause the generator 1 to tilt backward as hydrodynamic drag is experienced by the hulls 12a and 12b, with the forward end 11 tilting up. To counteract these forces, and to maintain the leading edges 13a and 13b at a substantially constant level in the water, the wave generator 1 can be rigidly connected to the stem 7, which can be rigidly connected to sled 9, which is preferably made wide and long enough so that it can be held in a substantially horizontal position within the channels 10, as discussed above.
Either with or without the stem 7, the wave generator 1 is preferably made of buoyant material, such that it can stay afloat in the water, which can reduce drag that may otherwise exist as it travels along the track 5. For example, by providing the wave generator 1 of the present invention with the appropriate buoyancy, the effective weight of the wave generator can be minimized, such that the sled 9 can slide within the grooves 6 of track 5 with very little friction, i.e., with water as the lubricant. By making the wave generator 1 virtually weightless in water in this manner, sled 9 can be adapted to slide relatively freely within grooves 6.
The buoyancy of the wave generator can be made possible 1) by the materials that are used, 2) by making the wave generator hollow, 3) by inserting air pockets into the wave generator where needed, or 4) any other known method. The wave generator can be hollow, such as with double walls, or air pockets of various sizes, and at various locations, can be dispersed within its body, wherever additional buoyancy is needed.
Virtually any type of material used in the manufacture of boats can be used to manufacture the wave generator 1 of the present invention. The wave generator 1 is preferably made of a strong, durable, slightly flexible material, such as fiberglass, wood, metal or carbon graphite composite. The wave generator 1 is also preferably integrally formed, i.e., a fiberglass shell, and manufactured by a conventional hand lay up or injection mold process. The wave generator 1 is preferably made strong enough to withstand the impact of sheer, torsion, and bending, that can be caused by the hydrodynamic forces acting on it during operation. The exterior of the wave generator 1 should be covered by a soft, impact absorbent material, such as coated foam, or other material that is easy to apply. This covering material is preferably flexible so that the wave generator 1 will not cause injury to riders, who may fall or be accidentally struck during use. In addition, the wave generator 1 should be coated with a waterproof, or water resistant material, such as urethane rubber, which has a low coefficient of friction, and can be formed without seams, so that hydrodynamic drag can be minimized. The outer layer or coating can be applied in any conventional manner, such as by spray, glue, thermal heating, welding, or other method. The sled 9, stem 7 and track 5 components, as well as the rollers 16, can be made of any conventional rust resistant material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, carbon graphite, fiberglass, etc. The body of water 3 is preferably formed with and supported by concrete or other suitable stable material that can withstand wave action. The surface of the floor is also preferably coated with a water proof material to prevent seepage.
The wave generator 1 of the present invention is preferably driven by a conventional drive motor 22, such as those that have been used to power trains, funiculars, cable cars, ski lifts, trolleys, etc. As shown in
The cable loop 24 can be laid in slotted sleeves 26 underneath the track 5 so that it will not interfere with the movement of the sled 9, nor be visible or accessible from above. A cable tension screw 28 can be provided to adjust the pretensioning of the cable loop 24 depending on how much slack is desired. An additional adjustment 30 can also be provided to control the vertical position of the wheel in relation to the floor 4. The present invention also contemplates that other conventional driving means and mechanisms can be provided to enable the wave generator 1 to travel across the body of water 3 along the track 5.
Another aspect of the invention is that the wave generator 1 can be adapted to travel back and forth along the track 5 in opposite directions A and B. As discussed previously, wave generator 1 and sled 9 are connected to the cable loop 24 which is driven by wheels 20 that can be rotated in two different directions. By driving wheels 20 in one direction, the wave generator 1 can be accelerated and driven in direction A across the body of water 3, and by driving the wheels 20 in the opposite direction, the wave generator 1 can be accelerated and driven in the opposite direction B. Alternatively, by connecting wave generator 1 to a cable loop 24 that is configured in a full circuit around wheels 20, a continuously moving generator can move in direction A, then, do a 180-degree turn around wheel 20 and move in direction B. This enables the wave generator 1 of the present invention to create various wave formations, including primary and secondary waves, traveling in both directions A and B.
The wave generator 1 can be adapted so that the wave generator hulls 12a and 12b can be reversed, i.e., so that they can face opposite directions at the appropriate time. This can be accomplished, for example, by providing a pivoting means on sled 9, which allows stem 7, and therefore, wave generator 1, to rotate 180 degrees. This way, when the wave generator 1 travels in direction A, and comes to the end of the track 5, the wave generator 1 can be turned around to face the opposite direction, wherein the cable loop 24 can then drive the wave generator 1 in the opposite direction B, through the body of water 3, to create additional wave effects traveling in the opposite direction. By rotating the wave generator 1 in this fashion, the same wave generator 1 can be used to create wave formations in two different directions.
In this embodiment, the stem 7, which is mounted on the sled 9, is preferably designed so that it can pivot around a vertical axis extending from the sled 9, such that when the wave generator 1 reaches the end of the track 5, the wave generator 1 can be rotated around the pivot point to face the opposite direction. For example, a vertical pylon can be extended from the sled 9 on which a fitted sleeve in the stem 7 can be provided, wherein the sleeve can be adapted to rotate about the pylon. Fastening means for maintaining the wave generator 1 in a predetermined rotational position on the sled 9 can also be provided.
The present invention also contemplates that the wave generator 1 can be made so that it is capable of being self-aligned, i.e., pivoted automatically. In this respect, the wave generator 1 can be adapted so that the pulling motion on the sled 9 by the cable 24 in one direction will cause the wave generator 1 to automatically swing or rotate around to the desired orientation. That is, simply pulling the sled 9 in one direction can cause the wave generator 1 to be oriented with the flow forming surfaces 15 facing that direction, whereas, when the wave generator 1 reaches the end of the track 5, and the cable 24 pulls the sled 9 in the opposite direction, the pulling motion in the opposite direction can cause the wave generator 1 to rotate and be oriented in the opposite direction automatically. This way, when the wave generator 1 reaches the end of the track 5, the system is adapted so that pulling the wave generator 1 with the cable 24 will, by virtue of the self-alignment feature, cause the wave generator 1 to be rotated to face the appropriate wave forming direction when needed.
In another embodiment, a drive motor can be provided on sled 9 to enable wave generator 1 to be rotated if desired. That is, a motor can be provided to rotate the stem 7 about the sled 9 when the wave generator 1 comes to a stop at the end of the track 5, such that the wave generator 1 can be positioned in the appropriate direction.
In another embodiment, the operation of the wave generator 1 can be computer programmed so that it can be pulled across the body of water 3, and then, when it comes to the end of the track 5, can automatically be rotated by the motor, wherein the wave generator 1 can then be pulled across the water in the opposite direction, wherein these steps can be repeated over and over, by running the program. A computer controller can, in this respect, be used to control the operation of the system.
The present invention also contemplates that the wave generator 1 can be designed with dual facing hulls, such that the wave generator 1 can be pulled in two different directions without having to rotate the wave generator 1. That is, a single wave generator can have 2 sets of wave generating hulls, 12a and 12b, including two sets of leading edges, 13a and 13b, and two sets of flow forming surfaces 15, that face in opposite directions, such that when the wave generator 1 reaches the end of the track 5, it simply has to be pulled in the opposite direction to create waves traveling in opposite directions.
The speed at which the wave generator 1 is pulled and travels through water is preferably about 8 to 16 miles per hour, although the speed can be varied. The desired speed is sufficient to create both primary and secondary waves of sufficient size and shape for purposes of enabling surfing maneuvers to be performed on the primary waves, and the secondary waves to be formed, wherein the combination of the two waves form an enhanced wave which travels toward the shore.
A general discussion of wave creation principles will now be provided to help describe how the different waves and wave formations are created by the present invention. In general, the waves that are formed by the wave generator 1 of the present invention are created by the effect of gravity on the displacement of water caused by the wave generator's hull moving through water. A series of complex motions are typically created in the water as the wave generator 1 displaces water, which collectively help to form various wave formations, including both primary and secondary waves.
As water is displaced by the wave generator 1, the effect of gravity on the water displaced can cause various harmonic motions and water effects to occur. For example, a wave termed a “primary wave” is typically formed by the wave generator's bow as it travels through water, i.e., energy from the hull's movement is imparted directly to the water, causing water to be displaced forward, upward and laterally away from the wave generator 1, forming a spilling or curling wave that spreads outwardly and laterally away from the wave generator 1 as it passes on.
The primary waves then transition to help create additional wave formations termed “secondary waves.” “Secondary waves” are generally formed as part of the second phase of the primary wave, in conjunction with the transverse and divergent waves that are naturally created as the wave generator travels through the water. As the wave generator travels through water, water is displaced by and away from the wave generator, i.e., behind the generator, and, as water seeks its own level (by the restoring force of gravity), it tends to fill the area behind the wave generator, wherein transverse and divergent waves are naturally formed and then combine to form secondary wave formations that spread outwardly in the form of a V toward the shore.
In this respect, a pressure differential normally builds along the sides of the wave generator 1, wherein the hollow area displaced by the wave generator, i.e., created immediately behind the wave generator, naturally causes the water that builds along the sides to converge inwardly into the hollow area. When the differential is great enough, the restoring force of gravity can cause the water converging from both sides of the hollow to overshoot the equilibrium point, causing it to rebound, and form an “eruption” or peak that raises the water level on both sides to form a V shaped crest. This helps to create larger secondary waves that spread outwardly behind the wave generator 1, i.e., in the shape of a V, and in a manner that has sloped and angular components that travel toward the shore.
In the preferred embodiment, these motions created by the wave generator preferably combine “synergistically” to create “enhanced secondary waves” that tend to be larger than either the second phase of the primary wave, or the transverse or divergent wave, by itself. By virtue of the flow forming surfaces 15 incorporated into the design of the wave generator 1, the various momentums in the water created by the wave generator can combine together, to create an enhanced secondary wave, with synergistic properties that ultimately travels toward the shore.
The combination of these motions in the water results in the creation of an enhanced secondary wave, derived from both primary and secondary wave aspects. The primary wave, which is a wave that cascades directly from the flow forming surfaces 15 of wave generator 1, is generally higher and steeper in shape than the secondary waves. Under ideal circumstances, the primary waves are typically twice as high as the crests of the secondary waves along any point thereof. On the primary waves, surfing type maneuvers can be performed in a relatively deep water environment, since the flow forming surfaces 15 of the wave generator 1 form in effect a moving reef. The secondary waves, on the other hand, are generally more like wakes while they travel through deep water, and do not begin to transition into breaking wave formations until after they are closer to shore, and are affected by the inclined slope of the floor, i.e., before they will begin to curl and break.
Because the primary wave is created strictly by the influence of the wave generator 1 on the surface of the water, there is no need for the floor to be sloped. In fact, in a deep water environment, the effect of the floor on the primary wave is negligible. This enables the wave generator 1 to be mounted to a substantially horizontal track 5 that runs along a substantially horizontal floor in a relatively deep water environment. Unlike the waves that travel to shore, which require the pool floor to become shallower to impart friction and a breaking component to the waves, the primary waves are created in a relatively deep water environment, and cascade directly from wave generator 1, as curling and plunging waves near where wave generator 1 travels. As shown in
As a by-product of creating the primary waves, and the displacement of water created by the wave generator 1, the secondary waves are naturally created, which extend behind the wave generator 1, much like transverse and divergent stern waves behind a boat traveling through water. These secondary waves travel through deeper portions of the body of water 3 without being affected by the pool floor, and therefore, initially travel in the form of a wake, i.e., a non-breaking crest. Then, when they begin to encounter the inclined floor, and friction is imparted to the lower portions of the waves, the upper wave portions will naturally begin to speed up in relation to the lower wave portions, and the waves will begin to curl, spill, plunge and/or surge. The slope of the floor closer to the shore, which determines how the waves will break, is preferably in the range of between 1 to 6, and 1 to 18, to provide the appropriate effects needed to cause the waves to “break.”
The slope of the floor can determine the type of wave that will be created and how the secondary wave will break. For example, where the secondary wave travels toward a relatively shallow slope, a “spilling breaker” wave can be created, which is characterized by a wedge shaped wave formation with foam and turbulence at the wave crest. Spilling in such case usually starts at some distance from the shore and is caused when a layer of water at the crest moves forward faster than the wave as a whole. Foam eventually covers the leading face of the wave. Such waves are characteristic of a gently sloping shoreline.
“Plunging breaker” waves are the most spectacular type of wave, and are created when the floor is shallow to intermediate in slope. The classic form of plunging breaker wave, which is what surfers typically like to ride on, is arched, with a convex back and concave front. The crest curls over and plunges downwards with considerable force, dissipating its energy over a short distance.
“Collapsing breaker” waves, as they are so called, are similar to plunging breaker waves, except that the waves are typically less steep, and instead of the crest curling over, the front face simply collapses. Such waves typically occur on beaches with intermediate to moderately steep slopes, and under moderate wave conditions.
Finally, “surging breaker” waves are found on the most steeply sloped beaches. Surging breakers are typically formed by long, low waves, wherein the front faces and crests remain relatively unbroken as the waves slide up the beach.
Although it is a matter of common knowledge that waves coming onto a sloped beach increase in height and steepness and eventually break, how the waves actually do this, and the factors that come into play in determining the extent of the height, steepness and shape of the waves, are dependent upon a number of variables. Some of the variables that come into play are: 1) the speed of the wave, 2) the slope of the beach, 3) the depth of the beach at any point along the wave, 4) the length of the wave, 5) the height of the wave, and 6) the total wave energy. Although there are mathematical formulas that attempt to define an empirical relationship between these factors, what actually happens during the transition of the waves from deep to shallow water is a difficult question to answer, particularly when the floor configuration and slope is ever-changing. Based on these factors, nevertheless, it has been determined that there are particular characteristics of wave formation that can be manipulated, to create ideal types and sizes of waves.
The present invention contemplates adapting the shoreline of the body of water termed a “wave pool” 31 in a manner intended to increase the functionality and usability of the waves that break onto the beach. Having discussed how the primary and secondary waves are generally created, and how the secondary waves can travel toward the shore and break, the present invention contemplates that the shoreline 33 can be provided with specific curvatures and slopes to maximize not only the number of breaking waves that can be created by a single secondary wave, but also the size and quality of those breaking waves.
In one aspect of the present invention, as shown in
As shown in
The wave pool 31 shown in
The preferred embodiment of the present invention has a series of undulating peninsula 32 and cove areas 34 forming a multiple number of curvatures and slopes. For ease of understanding, the following discussion will focus on a single undulating area between two adjacent peninsulas 32, as shown in
The primary wave 18 is shown breaking away from the wave generator 1 in a relatively deep water area where floor 36 is preferably substantially horizontal. As the secondary wave 41 travels toward the shoreline 33, and begins to encounter the sloped surface of the reef 37, the leading edge of the secondary wave 41 begins to curl and break, as represented by lines 42. Due to the steepness of the reef 37 along the area just past the peninsula 32, the secondary wave 41 will typically form a plunging breaker wave at that location, wherein the lip of the wave is typically created at about a depth of about two to three feet (in cases where the deepest part of the pool is about six feet deep). This is represented by the third or fourth topographical line 38 in the body of water 3 in
Because of the undulating shoreline 33, it can be seen that where the secondary waves 41 actually plunge or break shifts in accordance with the undulating pattern 40, i.e., depending upon where the topographical line with a depth of two to three feet lies along the shoreline 33. Also, at this juncture, the secondary wave preferably encounters the shoreline 33 at an angle that is about normal to the slope of the beach, wherein the plunging wave can continue to form and crest as it passes by.
With wave formations following this pattern, a continuous curling and/or spilling breaker wave can be created along the shoreline extending from about the peninsula point 32 to the base of the cove area 34. That is, a surfable quality curling and/or plunging breaking wave, upon which surfing maneuvers can be performed, can be formed that will last anywhere from five to fifteen seconds, depending on the size of the pool, and length of the section between adjacent peninsulas, which is the typical length of an actual surf ride.
During this phase of the wave formation, the portion of the secondary wave that is in deeper water tends to travel faster than the portion of the wave that is in shallower water, by virtue of friction encountered by the wave. This tends to cause each wave to curve and break along about the same location along the shore. This way, the manner in which the waves are created and break can be controlled, and to a great extent, duplicated from one location of the pool to another, wherein more predictable flow patterns and wave formations can be created thereby.
Although a curling and/or spilling wave will typically be created between the peninsula 32 and cove area 34, once it passes the base of the cove area 34, and encounters the steep slope on the other side of the cove area 34, i.e., between the cove area 34 and the adjacent peninsula 32, the wave will typically break directly onto the shore or beach, i.e., parallel to the shore. In this respect, the secondary wave will typically encounter the steeper portion of the reef 37 directly, thereby resulting in secondary waves that “collapse” or “surge” onto the beach, rather than spill or plunge.
Because the shoreline 33 is undulated, and there are transition areas between the peninsulas 32 and cove areas 34, the waves that break directly onto the bottom of the cove areas 34 will tend to be “collapsing” breaker waves. That is, between the areas where the waves plunge, on one hand, and surge, on the other hand, there is typically an area, which has relatively intermediate to moderate slopes, where the waves will simply collapse.
Because the preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates that a multiple number of similarly shaped undulations can be provided along the shoreline 33, a single secondary wave can create a multiple number of curling, spilling, plunging, collapsing and surging breaker waves that break individually and repeatedly along different areas of the beach 35. The present invention contemplates that different types of breaker waves can be formed, beginning at different points along the undulations, all along the shoreline 33, one following the other. This enables surfers to not only surf on a number of different types of breaker waves at different locations along the shoreline 33, but also allows people who simply want to wade, or perform skimming maneuvers along the beach, to do so without interfering with the others.
a through 10e show the wave generator 1 traveling across the pool 31 from one end to the other in a time lapse manner.
b shows the wave generator 1 moving across the pool 31 and creating a secondary wave 41 that begins to break at the first peninsula A. The wave 41 is created by the wave generator 1 and extends like a wake through the deep water areas 45, but as the wave is affected by the reef 37, and its sloped floor, the secondary wave begins to break. In this case, the wave 41 breaks when it encounters the reef 37 at about the third or fourth topographical line 38. The wave encounters the shoreline 33 at an angle that is about normal to the slope of the beach along that portion, and therefore, the wave continues to rise and crest as it passes by. And, assuming a sufficient height of the secondary wave, and because of the moderate to steep incline of the floor at that location, a plunging or spilling breaker wave can be created, upon which surfing maneuvers can best be performed.
In this respect, a rider would typically enter the wave 41 from the peninsula areas 32 and then ride the wave through the curl, or plunging area, which transitions to a spilling wave, until the wave ultimately collapses onto the bottom of the cove area 34. This can, depending on the size of the pool, last anywhere from five to fifteen seconds.
c shows the wave generator 1 progressing further across the pool 31 and causing the secondary wave 41 to encounter the reef 37 directly along the shoreline 33 extending between the first cove area A′ and second peninsula B. Because the topographical lines of the slope of the reefs floor is about parallel with the wave 41, and the sloped floor rises quickly, the waves here tend to surge quickly onto the beach 35. This is quite different from the phenomenon that occurs where the wave crests, plunges and breaks progressively along the area between the first peninsula A and cove area A′ as described above.
d shows the wave generator 1 advancing further across the pool 31, wherein the secondary wave 41 encounters the second peninsula B. The wave that encounters this portion also forms a curling and/or spilling breaker wave that travels from the second peninsula B to the base of the second cove area B′ where the wave collapses. Because in the preferred embodiment the undulations are similarly shaped from one peninsula to the next, the waves and breaking actions that take place are preferably substantially the same from one area to the next. However, in other embodiments, it may be desirable to vary the topography between undulations in order to create different breaking wave characterizations.
e shows the wave generator 1 advancing even further, wherein the secondary wave 41 encounters the third peninsula C. At the far end 46 of the shoreline 33 there is preferably a sloped beach area onto which the secondary wave 41 will ultimately break. This beach area 46 is preferably somewhat evenly sloped so that the wave will spill and/or curl onto the beach, where water skimming maneuvers can be performed, and where people who prefer to wade in the water can do so without fear of interfering with more advanced riders in other areas of the pool.
The present invention contemplates that various undulating patterns, and repetitions of patterns, can be provided. The object of the invention is to use a shoreline with curvatures and slopes to enhance the wave effects created by a single secondary wave traveling across the pool, wherein different types of breaking waves and wave formations can be created, upon which different types of water skimming and surfing maneuvers can be performed.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/319,595, filed on Dec. 16, 2002, and of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/339,805, filed on Dec. 17, 2001.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60339805 | Dec 2001 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10319595 | Dec 2002 | US |
| Child | 11167423 | Jun 2005 | US |
