Abstract:
The present invention relates to wave pools and diversion channels that capture high kinetic energy portions of a wave generated within the wave pool, and redirects the captured wave portions to the vicinity of wave formation, preferably timed so as reinforce a subsequently generated wave. The high kinetic energy within the diversion channel creates an additional feature in the form of an action river for riders of a wave pool to enjoy. At the same time, capturing of portions of the wave reduces the backwash of the wave and stabilizes the level of water within the wave pool, especially for embodiments with wave generators and pools capable of high volume waves. Riders may enter the diversion channel and ride from the distal, beach end of the wave pool to the proximatal, wave generating end.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/680,365, filed May 12, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to water rides or activities. More particularly, the present invention is a recreational water feature integrated into a pool having artificially generated waves and/or swells.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Millions of individuals visit water parks every year to enjoy, among other attractions, various types of swimming pools. In particular, wave pools are generally known in the field as providing recreation involving artificially generated waves. The waves are traditionally formed by devices such as oscillating pressure caissons, periodic displacement devices, or devices for release of large volumes of water into the pool.  
         [0004]     A new form of wave generation technology was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,393 to Carnahan et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference. This technology is sometimes referred to as a wave cannon. A wave cannon transfers energy from the discharge of compressed air through a water-filled pipe and into a body of water to create swells or waves. Because of the nature of compressed gas, wave cannons may transfer large amounts of energy while providing unobtrusive infrastructure. This large amount of energy transfer improves the ability to produce larger waves.  
         [0005]     In contrast, conventional wave generating technologies have been somewhat limited in the energy that can be imparted to the pool, based on the practical limits of size, mechanics, infrastructure, and cost. Thus, most wave pools are limited in size, with the larger wave pools being in the form of oversized swimming pools. Even with a smaller size, some wave pools incorporate special hydrodynamic features, such as narrowing waterways or wedge designs, to preserve or increase the wave height of these lower capacity waves.  
         [0006]     The wave cannon may be scaled by size, number, orientation, and co-location. The wave cannon structure may be recessed, with structure located away from the body of water where an activity or water sport occurs. The structure of the wave generating device is thus removed from the area of activity and will not impair water sports. The small circular opening in the tubular chamber of a wave cannon permits novel orientations that enhance the production of large scale wave action similar to that in natural ocean environments. For example, a cluster of wave cannons at one end of a wave pool may generate waves sufficiently large for surfing.  
         [0007]     A problem present in all conventional wave pools is the backwash caused by breaking waves. With smaller scale wave pools, this backwash has not been much of an issue. Simulated beaches or extensive shallows may be sufficient for smaller capacity breaking waves. However, the backwash of larger capacity waves may pose greater difficulties. The backwash of larger capacity waves may have the ability to draw individuals, floats, or surfboards into the paths of others located within the pool. The approach of a large capacity wave may then pose a safety hazard due to flotsam or individuals in the path of surfers or other individuals riding the wave.  
         [0008]     Some conventional attempts to address the problems of this backwash have involved “lazy rivers” or water channels installed adjacent to the wave pool, and in which the intake and discharge of the lazy river is in fluid communication with the wave pool. Because a flow of water is desired from the wave breaking end of the pool to the wave generating end, some current may be created within the lazy river. This current has been created in some embodiments by permitting the breaking waves from the main pool to spill over a spillway or weir into the lazy river channel. Such pools are characterized by minor bottom shaping with largely dissipative beaches. In other cases, a current will be created within the lazy river channel by the installation of dedicated pumps. Some embodiments orient the inlet of the lazy channel and the dissipative slope of the simulated beach end so as to direct backwash into the mouth of the lazy river. Once established, the current is thus intended to draw some volume of water from the end of the wave pool in which waves break to the end of the wave pool where waves are formed, hopefully reducing the water backwashed to the deeper section of the wave pool.  
         [0009]     The perimeter lazy river can reduce some of the backwash created in conventional wave pools by diverting some of the water. Of course, much of its effectiveness depends on the volumetric flow created by spill over or the volumetric flow rate of the pumps. However, it is impractical for wave pools having the large volume waves that are capable of being produced by the wave cannon. A greater reduction the backwash is required. The installation of pumps dedicated to generating a current in the lazy river provides additional infrastructure and cost. In addition, the slow current of a lazy river is inconsistent with the highly active sport of surfing.  
         [0010]     Thus, conventional approaches to the reduction of wave pool backwash are not well suited to high capacity wave pools.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention is directed to providing a means of reducing backflow caused by the breaking of high volume, generated waves within a wave pool. Further, the present invention provides high energy circulating currents for the benefit of swimmers and surfers.  
         [0012]     Large, high volume waves may be generated using one or more wave cannons, or equivalent high volume technologies. Large, balanced return channels may be integrated within the pool, such that then currents formed therein are capable of accommodating the large volumetric flow. This integration permits wave pool features directing larger amounts of wave energy into the diversion or return channels. In addition to the attraction of the wave pool, the present invention integrates diversion channels that act as action river water attractions based on the captured wave energy. Riders may enter a diversion channel to travel from the wave breaking end to the wave generating end of a wave pool.  
         [0013]     In one embodiment, an integrated diversion channel may be formed by islands situated within the wave pool that function in cooperation with a contoured bottom of the pool. The contoured bottom forms a reef that breaks the wave in a controlled manner within a reservoir bounded on one end with a dissipative beach. The contours forming the reservoir direct backflow water from the breaking waves into the diversion channel. The islands are configured such that the channels open to the generated wave, so that a significant, high energy portion of the wave is captured by the channel. The combined effect of the input of backflow water from the reservoir and the capture of high energy waves forms a beneficial, high flow, action river current along the channel. The current within this diversion channel feeds back into the wave generation process, stabilizing currents and reducing back flow or rip currents. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention with optional details.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention showing certain wave action.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0019]     As introduced above, the present invention provides a means of reducing backflow caused by the breaking of high volume, generated waves within a wave pool, while also providing strong circulating currents and waves supporting action river activities for swimmers and surfers. With reference to the drawings, a top view of an embodiment of the present invention may be seen in  FIG. 1 . Wave generator  1  is connected to or installed in a proximal portion of a body of water in wave pool reservoir  2 . Wave pool reservoir  2  preferably has a desired depth and a defined reef contour  3  (shown by isobaths) for supporting high volume, high energy waves, such as generated wave  19  (not shown) to break in a preferred and controlled manner as it reaches reef contour  3  and beach  13  disposed in a distal portion. Preferably, but not necessarily, wave pool generator  1  is one or more wave cannons, which are capable of generating high volume waves. Reef contour  3  is interposed between wave generator  1  and beach  13 . Integrated into the wave pool reservoir  2  are diversion channels C 4  formed by islands I 1  and I 2 . Islands I 1  and I 2  are configured, along with channel input side wall  6  to be open to oncoming waves so as to be able to capture a significant, high energy portion of such waves from entry channels C 3  into diversion channels C 4 .  
         [0020]     Input side walls  6  for diversion channels C 4  are preferably configured so as to redirect a captured wave portion along diversion channels C 4 . Reef contour  3  is configured such that the portion of wave captured by diversion channels C 4  will travel along entry channel C 3  at a depth greater than that of reef contour  3 —preserving kinetic energy. The remaining portion of wave  19  (not shown) will break in a desired manner as it reaches reef contour  3  and beach  13 . Tidal pool or reservoir C 1  connects to diversion channels C 4  by feed channels C 2  which, along with any captured wave, provides a flowing current shown by arrows  7  into diversion channels C 4 . Wave  19  (not shown) will tend to break because of shallow depths formed by reef contour  3 , dumping wash into tidal pool reservoir C 1 , which is bounded on the other side by dissipative beach  13 . Beach  13  may be kept dry up to a desired point by trapping breaking waves in tidal pool reservoir C 1  and, as described above, directing backwash along feed channels C 2  into diversion channels C 4 .  
         [0021]     Preferably, islands I 1  and I 2 , integrated diversion channels C 4 , contour reef  3 , reservoir C 1 , etc., are all configured so as to capture a large portion of the volume of water displaced by generated waves within diversion channels C 4 . The large volume and captured kinetic energy characterized by currents and waves within diversion channel C 4  preferably flow in the direction of arrows  7 . A large volumetric flow and kinetic energy in diversion channel C 4  may thus create an “action river” for enjoyment by swimmers and surfers, as opposed to a lazy river. Further, diversion channels C 4  and configuration of islands I 1  and I 2  within wave pool reservoir  2  are preferably symmetric or otherwise balanced in volumetric flow along channels C 4  so as to discharge substantially equivalent volume and kinetic energy from wave enhancement channel C 5  into both sides of wave generating zone C 6 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is another top view of an embodiment of the present invention showing islands I 1  and I 2  adapted to support additional activities; for example, optional island bridge  17  may connect islands I 1  and I 2  to the opposite side of the diversion channels C 4 . Islands I 1  and I 2  may include optional graduated island access points  14  permitting those in the water to access islands I 1  and I 2  and enjoy the island features or simply to relax. Islands I 1  and I 2  may have optional hot tub C 7 , optional activity pools C 8 , and/or optional activity slide  16  for entrance into channel C 4 . Optional channel access points  15  may provide access to wave pool reservoir  2  via diversion channels C 4 .  
         [0023]     The tidal pool reservoir C 1 , as seen in a third top view in  FIG. 3 , provides directional current shown by arrows  12  through tidal pool channels C 2  into the action river formed in diversion channel C 4 . The depth of tidal pool reservoir C 1  may be less than that in wave generating zone C 6 , preferably by an elevated bottom (not shown). Channel wall  6  along with islands I 1  and I 2  is configured to capture and divert wave portion  21  along with tidal reservoir current shown by arrow  12 , which creates a strong current in diversion channel  4  as shown by arrows  7  forming an action river. The channel wave  22  travels along diversion channels C 4  around islands I 1  and I 2  and is further diverted by channel wall  8  which forces exiting wave  23  through an optionally narrowing width portion designated as wave enhancement channel C 5 ; exiting wave  23  then travels into wave generating zone C 6  to merge with newly formed wave  24  to create integrated wave  18 . Wave form  18  travels towards the underwater reef contour leading edge R 1  breaking in preferred manner as shown by waves  19  and  20 . A portion of wave  20  rolls up and over reef contour trailing edge R 2  and washes into tidal pool reservoir C 1 . The wash is shown discharged by arrows  12  along channel C 2  and into the action river of diversion channels C 4 . Thus, high energy portions of waves  19  and  20  are captured between reef contour  3  and island walls  4  with controlled depth along entry channels C 3 , and redirected by side wall  6  and wash current shown by arrows  12  and  7 , eventually to form channel waves  22 .  
         [0024]     For natural and straight coastlines with parallel contours of decreasing depth, refraction decreases the angle between the approaching wave and the coast, which can turn a once obliquely angled wave toward the direction of the coast. In a high volume wave pool, bottom contours may also be used to help create desired breaking along reef contour  3  while feeding high energy wave portions into channels C 4 . Preferably but not necessarily, reef contour  3  is a modified V shape with gradual inclination from leading edge R 1  to a steeper trailing edge R 2  in the center of the V, and steeper inclination on wings of the V shape, as shown by the isobaths. The vertex of the V preferably is configured in the direction of the wave generator. As the bottom of pool reservoir  2  transitions from wave generating zone C 6  to leading edge R 1 , the depth becomes increasingly shallow; friction between reef contour and waves  19  and  20  consumes kinetic energy and causes the lower, affected portions of wave  19  to slow, transforming a swell into a tube or curl, and eventually causing waves to break in tidal pool reservoir C 1 . However, reef contour  3  of the present invention may take a wide variety of configurations, such as curvilinear or angular, so long as the surrounding features of the wave pool, such as islands I 1  and I 2 , beach  13 , channel walls  6 , and depth along entry channels C 3  are coordinated such that channels C 4  are integrated into the wave path and high energy portions of waves  19  and  30  are captured by channels C 4 .  
         [0025]     Preferably, islands I 1  and I 2  are contoured so that a wave traveling longitudinally along wave generating zone C 6  or channels C 4 , such as along wave  19  along side  4  of islands I 1  and I 2 , will encounter a change in depth that will cause greater friction where the portion of wave  19  approaching islands I 1  and I 2  will encounter increasingly shallow water as islands I 1  and I 2  emerge from water within pool reservoir  2 . This friction will further turn or redirect a portion of waves  19  and  20  in a direction following channel C 4 , as shown with waves  21 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is a side view plan of one embodiment of the present invention, showing wave  18  reaching contour reef  3  leading edge R 1  and breaking wave  19  that will eventually wash past trailing edge R 2 , similar to wave  20 , and into tidal pool reservoir C 1 . Note that the depth of tidal pool reservoir C 1  is less than that of wave generating zone C 6 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a plurality of channels C 4 . Channels C 4  may be configured to capture varying quantities of wave energy to create action rivers having a variety of levels of current flow, which can satisfy those of differing levels of water skill. Notably, beach  13  may be minimal so long as channels C 4  are balanced to supply or discharge into pool reservoir  2  evenly or in a balanced manner, and remaining features, such as islands I 1  and I 2  are properly configured for distribution of wave energy.  
         [0028]     The above examples should be considered to be exemplary embodiments, and are in no way limiting of the present invention. Thus, while the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.