Abstract:
A facility capable of hosting ocean water sports is situated in a geographic location that is accessible to spectators. The facility is capable of emulating the required ocean environment for a desired water sport within a water course, pool, or other large receptacle of water by use of scalable, non-interfering wave generators. Contemplated water sports range from offshore power boat racing to surfing. Location of the simulated environment enables sufficient spectator facilities in which admission may be controlled.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/632,222, filed Dec. 1, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention generally relates to a facility for water sports. More particularly, the present invention is a simulated environment that reproduces water characteristics of certain natural sporting locations, while providing a controlled venue for spectators to view such water sports.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Sports or other entertainment events that rely on certain conditions found in large bodies of water are traditionally limited to suitable natural locations. In particular, sports that involve watercraft need considerable space located within these suitable bodies of water. Aside from the needs for space and open water, these locations provide environmental conditions that are suitable or customary for such sports. The energy transfer from winds and atmosphere create ocean waves and swells that are characteristics for the sports and their venues. For example, surfing competitions are located on the shore or beach where breaking waves provide an amenable environment. A beach is also suitable for activities using boogie boards or certain types of kayaks. On the other hand, a placid lake or pool would clearly be a poor environment for a surfing competition. Offshore racing is enhanced by the swells that are typical in the open ocean. Offshore racers at speed often go airborne, exciting the fans and introducing an element of uncertainty and difficulty of control. Other forms of watercraft racing, however, may require an expanse of water with consistent currents. In most cases, these events are best located in remote spots away from marine traffic.  
         [0004]     Because of these issues, spectators often must travel to remote locations to watch the sport. In the best of cases, spectators may view the event from a nearby shore. In other cases, these locations may be inaccessible or impractical for many erstwhile enthusiasts. Travel can be expensive and difficult to coordinate. Accordingly, many ocean based sports are limited in commercial potential. At the same time, the limited commercial potential for such sports inhibit the participation of teams or the creation of economically viable leagues to support such teams.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,854,256 discloses an aquatic show boat intended to address some aspects this problem. This watercraft uses a pontoon or catamaran design with a central space open to the water and referred to as an “activity area.” Spectators onboard the boat can view activities within this activity area from internal observation decks. As the boat moves forward underway, the water flowing between the catamaran hulls would appear to be a relative current within the well or activity area. One example of an activity described is that of an athlete or contestant water skiing in the central well while spectators observed from various angles. The size of the aquatic show boat would determine the number of spectators and the type of available activities. However, the practical constraints of safety, size, and weight would necessarily limit the size of any craft that could be placed within the well. That is, sports or activities using larger watercraft, such as a power boat, would likely be unsuitable for this activity area. Further, the show boat would be unable to create shore characteristics within the activity area while underway. Thus, this invention offers some advantages over traditional show boats, but is unable to accommodate sports held in a variety of ocean environments. Additionally, spectators and promoters would still face the expense and difficulties of waterborne travel for the spectators.  
         [0006]     A few inventions have been developed to bring the benefits of water activity to individuals. For example, swimming pools, natatoriums, and water parks are commonly available for exercise and recreation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,689 disclosed a modified swimming pool for walking, jogging, or running. In essence, this invention is a submerged foot track directed to enabling an individual to walk or run against the resistance of water. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,903,961 and 5,562,576 disclose inventions that simulate the effect of rowing against the resistance of water. The &#39;961 patent notably depicts one embodiment where a boat is situated in a central tank between two tanks in which oars are inserted during rowing. These inventions are directed to individual exercise activities in static water, and unfortunately do not contemplate the problems faced by organizers of spectator events.  
         [0007]     The white water stadium (also referred to as “hydro stadium”) is a commercial effort to simulate the white water of river rapids, enabling kayaking and canoeing in a venue accessible to spectators. This facility is an engineered terrain with water descending along a riverine path having movable obstacles located within the channel. When water is pumped or collected at a high point and allowed to run down the channel, the obstacles create disturbances in the flow similar to that of white water rapids. This facility features aspects of a white water riverine sporting environment for individuals and spectators. However, the white water stadium is unable to provide ocean swells and breakers suitable for activities such as off shore power boat racing or surfing contests. In addition, the water features require obstacles located within the area of activity.  
         [0008]     A few inventors have tried to adapt wave pool technologies to enable surfing. In general, these efforts have been limited due to the limited size of the waves capable of being generated by conventional wave generating technologies. Expanding the size of conventional wave generating technology can be costly, impracticable in some cases, or introduce new problems that would not be an issue for smaller wave pools. For example, some approaches use a plow shaped displacement trolley as a wave generator. If this technology were double faced, then it might be able to generate a wake-like wave as the plow is moved through water. However, the plow is located within the body of water where the activity is intended to occur, interfering with free motion and creating a safety hazard. Further, this wake-like wave produces a diminishing wave that curves away from the generator, as opposed to a generally straight wave as found in nature. The mechanical displacement of a wave generator having movement relative to the body of water may produce curved, uneven, or limited types of waves, depending on the design.  
         [0009]     A number of approaches rely on structure shaped with a wave profile, which is then inserted into flowing water. As the water flows over the structure, it gives the appearance of a wave and may support some activities. Of course, this approach relies on placing structure within the area of activity, limiting its usefulness for many activities. Such an approach would clearly be impracticable for many types of boating.  
         [0010]     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to simulate natural ocean environments to enable the performance of water sports at a reasonable cost;  
         [0011]     An object of the present invention is to provide a body of water and to simulate waves, currents, and swells within that body of water in a manner that does not introduce structure interfering with the performance of water sports; and  
         [0012]     An object of the invention is to enable spectator viewing of water sports occurring within the simulated natural environment.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to overcoming these deficiencies by bringing ocean water sports to spectators, thereby enhancing profitability and expanding appeal. In the present invention, a facility capable of hosting ocean water sports is situated in a geographic location that is accessible to spectators. Importantly, the facility is capable of emulating the required ocean environment for a desired water sport within a water course, pool, or other large receptacle of water by use of scalable, non-interfering wave generators. 
     
    
     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 showing a sample arrangement of wave cannons.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is side view schematic of an example of the present invention, revealing control and compressed air systems.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a side view detail of a section of the course showing mounting of a wave generator in the bottom of the course.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a side view detail of a section of the course showing vertical mounting of a wave generator in the bottom of the course.  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a top view of a surfing embodiment of the course. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]     Preferably, embodiments of the present invention include a facility having an artificial body of water simulating a natural environment and suitable for one or more water sports, one or more wave generators for the generation of swells, waves, or currents, as may be desired, and a spectator facility providing a controlled area for spectators to view the water sports.  
         [0021]     Preferably the wave generator used in the present invention will not interfere with the chute, will be scalable to various sizes or applications at a reasonable cost, and will be controllable in order to simulate the desired environment. In the open ocean, surface waves are primarily created by winds that cause variations in surface pressure. Wind duration, strength, and surface coverage area contribute to the resulting wave.  
         [0022]     A wave cannon is a wave generating device as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,393 to Carnahan et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference. In short, the wave cannon transfers energy from the escape of compressed air to water to create swells or waves. The present invention preferably involves the scaling of wave cannons to a size in which it is able to transfer a large amount of energy to water, thereby creating waves, currents, and swells within large bodies of water. Many conventional wave generating technologies are directed to bodies of water on the scale of swimming pools. As noted above, these technologies may be inadequate for larger bodies of water, especially those hosting watercraft. Attempted displacement of large bodies of water using many conventional approaches pose difficulties with cost and structure.  
         [0023]     In addition to scaling by size, the wave cannon may be scaled by number, orientation, and co-location. For the present invention, scaling both by size, location, and number is preferable. In part, this scaling is feasible because 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 the water sport. 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 vertically oriented and recessed wave cannon in the middle of a large body of water may be used to simulate mid-ocean swells. Further, parallel co-location of horizontal wave cannons can produce straight waves upon simultaneous discharge or curved waves upon sequenced delay discharge. Thus, multiple wave cannons may be timed or synchronized to produce a desired effect.  
         [0024]     Nevertheless, references to wave cannon should typically be construed to include other controllable compressed gas devices suitable for the generation of large swells, waves, and/or currents, adapted to function in the larger scale embodiments disclosed herein, so long as the device does not interfere with the activity or water sport.  
         [0025]     In a first example, with reference to  FIG. 1 , a top view of body of water  21  shows water filled course  41 , such as a canal or track, suitable for hosting a race of watercraft  45 , such as powerboats. For embodiments in which watercraft  45  are powerboats, longitudinal distance of course  41  may require several miles for powerboats to attain high speeds. Proximate to this course is located spectator facility  50  in the form of grandstands, as described in greater detail below. The path of course  41  may be of any one of a variety of configurations as may be suitable to the activity, such as a circle or ellipse, polygon, straight or curvilinear track, or even a figure eight. The course may include one or more spur canals  42  off course  41  that are proximate or tangential to course turns, such that a watercraft  45  could enter spur canal  42  to slow down or to recover in the event of over shooting a turn. Optionally, such spur canals  42  could provide the additional function of access to body of water  21  or hosting maintenance pf watercraft  45 , if desired.  
         [0026]     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the water within course  41  may be moved to provide one or more desired currents; such a current may be induced by one or more wave cannons  7 . For illustration, the embodiment shown here provides wave cannons  7  in clusters of three, although other numbers may be appropriate depending on the scale, application, and desired simulation. As shown in  FIG. 2 , a portion of the body of water  21  is agitated by wave cannons  7  to create swells, currents, or waves (or generically, “waves”  4 ) within course  41 , simulating the open ocean and enhancing the characteristics of the environment for the water sport.  
         [0027]     The present facility includes a compressed air system  60  for the support of the various wave cannons  7 . This system preferably will generate compressed air through one or more air compressors  1 . Compressed air reserves sufficient for operations may be stored in a pressure storage tank  2 . Distribution of the compressed air to various wave cannons may be via distribution system  3 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 3  is a schematic illustrating that compressed air system  60  preferably is linked to control system  70  for control of the wave cannons  7  within the facility. Preferably, this control system  70  may be operated from a centrally located observation and control tower  71  (as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ).  FIG. 3  shows a side view of wave cannon  7 . In this view, control panel  72  includes discharge button  73  and various indications, as may be appropriate for the application. Control system  70  preferably includes variable charging of wave cannons  7  from compressed air system  60  by pressure adjust  77  on control panel  72 . Variable charging enables the simulation of a waves  4  of a variety of size and frequency so as to match specific natural environments; preferably, such natural environments will be recognizable to spectators and will enhance the water sport. Discharge button  73  triggers control power to activate control valve  74 . In some embodiments, control of the facility may be automated or scripted through a computer processor  80  stored and implemented scenario. As noted above, discharge of wave cannons  7  may be synchronized or delayed to achieve an accurate simulation of a natural environment, as opposed to the simple generation of waves. Optionally, the facility may include one or more artificial reefs as described in &#39;393 to Carnahan to enhance simulation. Additionally, in some embodiments wave cannons  7  may be movably mounted in elevation and azimuth, and similarly controlled by control system  70 .  
         [0029]     The width of the course  41  is established by principles of safe navigation, given the circumstances and the application. For example, in a course  41  for off shore racing, the safe width would be a factor of, among other things, the desired number of contesting watercraft  45  abreast of each other at any particular time and their position on the course, including expected and acceptable transverse motion over the course. Some applications of the present invention may be appropriate for large pools of great width, in which large swells or sub-currents may be induced. Naturally, larger watercraft  45  traveling at high speeds may merit greater width in certain portions of a course, such as a turn. Turns must accommodate advance and transfer of watercraft  45  for the contemplated speeds. Other applications, such as an embodiment of course  41  for personal watercraft  45 , may provide narrower widths where collision with the sides  22  might produce no injury, and could even contribute to the excitement of the water sport.  
         [0030]     The depth of course  41  may be established by the depth of water drawn by the deepest draft watercraft  45  anticipated, as well as the effect that any current or wave generators  7  may have in varying the water depth. For example, a trough of a large wave  4  may create a temporarily shallow depth.  
         [0031]     Sides  22  for the course may be smooth, shaped, textured, or even ridged; in some embodiments, sides may include shock or energy absorbing material  22   a , shown as beading in  FIG. 4 . Other energy absorbing material  22   a  may include devices such as fenders, beading, or camels. A smooth side  22  will simply channel waves  4 , while a ridged or corrugated side  22  may dissipate energy of the water, if desired. Optionally, some sides may feature viewing ports  22   b , as shown in  FIG. 5 . In some cases, side  22  may form a simulated beach  29  as a gradual decrease in depth.  
         [0032]     The orientation and application of wave cannon  7  is highly variable and dependant in part on factors such as the simulation effect desired, the configuration of course  41 , and the size of body of water  21 . In some embodiments, wave cannons  7  may be located at regular intervals along course  41 , with wave cannon  7  discharging into course  41  along a desired direction. This could produce waves  4  (i.e., including swells or currents) throughout course  41 . Other embodiments may position wave cannons  7  in certain portions of body of water  21 , such as corners, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a straightaway or a common basin. If desired, wave cannons  7  may be synchronized to discharge together in order to generate swells, current, and/or waves  4  in body of water  21  at a particular time. As shown in  FIG. 4 , wave cannons  7  may be placed under body of water  21  to discharge through the bottom  23 ; alternatively, one or more wave cannons  7  may be located behind sides  22  to discharge into body of water  21  as shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0033]     In each of these arrangements, wave cannon  22  may be aimed, angled, or directed to achieve a desired effect not limited to the generation of surface waves. For example, wave cannons  7  that are angled to discharge in a single, consistent and uniform direction below the surface  20  of body of water  21  may create waves  4  as well as current and swells. If standing or roiling water is desired, wave cannons  7  may be oriented to discharge against each other. In other embodiments, the course may feature spur canals  42  in which wave cannons  7  may discharge so as to create currents or swells along extended straightaway portions of course  41 . Waves  4  in the form of swells within a large body of water  21  may be created by vertically oriented wave cannons  7 , as shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0034]     A simple embodiment of course  41  may be appropriate for watercraft  45  that are used in offshore powerboat racing. Powerboats racing classes or series are often organized by length, engine size, hull configuration (catamaran or V-type hull), horsepower, etc. These powerboats can compete at 100 mph with bursts of speed above 200 mph for those with gas turbine engines. High speeds boats may take advantage of courses  41  having extended, possibly multi-mile straight portions; if this is desired, a long, simple oval design may be suitable. Additionally, a simple oval design could offer abundant spectator facilities  50  that are both safe and close to the event.  
         [0035]     A second example (not shown) is a variation of the first, and provides a course  41  in body of water  21  for watercraft  45  such as kayaks, or powered water skis. These personal watercraft  45  are much smaller than offshore racers, and are characterized by slower speeds and greater maneuverability. Individuals on water skis, for example, may travel at speeds of up to 35 mph, enabling a wider variety of twists or bends, if desired. Of course, the smaller size of these watercraft  45  may also permit a smaller overall body of water  41 , if desired.  
         [0036]     In any embodiment employing watercraft  45 , watercraft support facilities  48 , such as a marina, may be co-located proximate to course  41  within body of water  21 , preferably positioned off spur canal  42 . Some embodiments, such as that described below for a surfing competition, may not require watercraft support facilities.  
         [0037]     Another example is a simulated shoreline environment, as shown in  FIG. 6 . In this embodiment, body of water  21  is provided wherein the configuration of the bottom  23  and sides  22  are designed to achieve a desired characteristic wave  4 , as is known in the art of hydrodynamics. One or more wave cannons  7  may be used to generate such waves  4  within body of water  41 . An inclined bottom  23  nearing a side  22  substantially opposing the direction of origin of wave  4 , forms simulated beach  24 . As waves  4  approach simulated beach  24 , wave  4  encounters the increasing drag of bottom  23 . Energy transfer within wave  4  begins to shift from that of vertical swell to lateral deformation. Eventually, wave  4  may crest and form a curling or plunging breaker in a tubing action. The tubing and breaking of such waves  4  at simulated beach  24  would enable sports such as surfing and boogie boarding. Proximate to this body of water  41  is spectator facility  50 , as described further below. In this way, predictable surfing conditions allow surfing teams to compete in front of spectators. In fact, the spectator facility  50  would enable viewing of the surfers from angles never before available.  
         [0038]     Preferably, this embodiment includes similar control system  70  as described above. For example, wave cannons  7  may be configured and timed for discharge simultaneously to produce a crest of wave  4  that is parallel to simulated beach  24 . However, this embodiment may also be controlled such that wave cannons  7  discharge sequentially, or in specific pattern to enable the simulation of different beach conditions for different types of surfing. As noted above, control system  70  preferably includes variable charging of wave cannons  7  from compressed air system  60  so as to simulate size and frequency of waves  4  characteristic of beaches found in specific natural environments. Optionally, wave cannons  7  may be movably mounted, enabling a specific simulation of wave  4  breaking in either near shore or long shore currents. If desired, such surfing embodiments may include return channels for surfers and water to return or travel from a shallow area back into a deeper area.  
         [0039]     A fourth example (not shown) is a simulated environment for wake riding or wake boarding. Unlike many racing courses, a wake riding environment may involve watercraft  45  running along predetermined courses  41  without the need for competing watercraft  45  to be abreast of each other. Accordingly, course  41  may simply be in the form of a straight channel, where width is set by the requirements of safe navigation at speed. Watercraft  45  may generate wakes suitable for wake riding at speeds starting at 20 mph; more competitive wakeboarding is available at higher speeds. Changing the roughness of the body of water  21  will change the dynamics of this sport, sometimes requiring wakeboards with a different fin configurations.  
         [0040]     The present invention includes the combination or merging of such exemplary embodiments, variation of simulations within such embodiments, and co-location of facilities as may be practicable given the demographic appeal of any particular water sport. For example, in some cases it may be desirable to co-locate a simulated ocean course for off shore racing with a simulated beach for surfing competitions in order to consolidate the supporting services such as parking, water treatment, spectator and concession services, and compressed air management. In other cases, the demographics of a region may economically support the hosting of surfing competition, but not those of personal watercraft or off shore racing. In some embodiments, a simulated ocean environment for competition may be co-located with facilities for spectator recreation in a similar field to produce a theme park. For example, a simulated beach for competitive surfing may be located in the same park as a less demanding simulated beach for amateur surfers. Along the same lines, a facility for off shore racing may also include a scaled down version for radio controlled racers; for example, popular 1/10 or 1/20 scale model off shore racers are affordable and commercially available, and frequently operate off simple electric motors. In some cases, a multipurpose racing facility may seek to accommodate off shore racing, personal watercraft, water surfing, etc. by merging simulation requirements and prioritizing operational parameters for each of the hosted environments.  
         [0041]     Spectator facility  50  may take any of a wide variety of embodiments, with viewing arranged in a variety of ways, depending on the configuration of body of water  21 . For example, spectator facility  50  may be in the form of a stadium grand stand with adapted seating optimized for maximum viewing in certain embodiments, such as an off shore racing facility. In other cases, spectator facility  50  may comprise simple portable bleachers; in some cases, an unimproved open viewing area may be appropriate. Cameras  51  may be situated in desirable locations, as shown in  FIG. 5 , for viewing the activity locally or by broadcast. As mentioned above, in some embodiments viewing ports  22   b  may be provided in sides  22  to enable close in viewing of activities, above or below water. As noted above, fans of surfing may be able to view competition from a variety of angles unavailable to shore based perspectives. It is contemplated in the present invention that some forms spectator facilities  50  would include protective screens and railing permitting viewing near otherwise potentially hazardous action, as with stock car racing. Spectator facilities  50  may be positioned on both sides of course  41  to maximize viewing and revenue, and optionally may provide an infield experience for those embodiments having an infield. Aside from the configuration of course  41  in body of water  21 , spectator facilities  50  may also be a function of space availability, adaptability to other uses of the facility, obstructions, expense, etc. Aisles, seat spacing, railings, etc., may be arranged as is known to those in the field. The physical configuration of spectator facility is highly variable and should be adapted to the embodiment; however, spectator  51  should include access control capable of admission by charge. Therefore, the present invention contemplates a controlled facility for improved financial prospects.  
         [0042]     In conclusion, by bringing paying spectators proximate to simulated environments suitable for such ocean water sports, these activities now become more lucrative from revenue attributable to admissions, concessions, and endorsements. The natural environment counterparts to some of the above embodiments are unable to draw many spectators because of their customary locations or other impediments. For some events, such as surfing championships, the beach or shore may be open to the public and inappropriate for controlling admissions or concessions. Therefore, these sporting activities that have been traditionally limited to natural environments have also been stunted or inhibited in their economic development. The present invention contemplates the creation of teams, leagues, and systems for the endorsement of such teams and leagues. In particular, it is contemplated that the embodiment of the present invention supporting offshore racers would support a league analogous to that in the stock car field. The embodiment of the present invention supporting surfing could support a league analogous to that in professional bicycling. Thus, the present invention includes or provides for improved economic systems and methods of doing business.  
         [0043]     The above examples should be considered to be exemplary embodiments of the facility, and in no way limiting of the present invention. Thus, while the description above refers to particular embodiments, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.