Abstract:
There is disclosed a wave pool consisting of a pool with a wave generator at the deep end, which creates waves that advance toward the shallow end. One or more interactive waterplay elements, such as water guns, pourspouts, or playsinks, are provided near the pool. Pool guests can operate these waterplay elements to selectively direct water or other play media at other guests, or into the pool itself.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application no. 60/184,549, filed Feb. 24, 2000, titled INTERACTIVE WAVE POOL, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to recreational wave pools and, in particular, to recreational wave pools incorporating interactive waterplay elements, such as water guns, pourspouts and playsinks, for entertaining and educating children and adults. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Over the past several decades, there has been a proliferation of amusement parks, family fun centers and related commercial play structures and rides designed to meet the recreational needs of young families. Such amusement facilities can often provide a safe and exciting alternative to more traditional parks and playgrounds. 
     One type of family amusement facility which is gaining in popularity is the “wave pool,” which simulates an oceanside beach by providing an in-ground concrete pool with a wave generator device at the deep end. When activated, the wave generator creates waves in the pool which propagate toward the shallow end. The pool guests can then play in the waves as they would play in the surf at a beach. Typically, the wave generator is activated only in defined intervals of 10 or 15 minutes, alternating with rest periods of similar duration. 
     Most conventional wave pools are “passive,” in that they do not allow the guests to control any aspect of the pool or wave generation. This is especially true during those periods when the wave generator is inactive, making the wave pool little different than a standard in-ground pool. While a passive wave pool can be entertaining, it does not generally stimulate the development of creative thinking or problem solving abilities. It is preferred to provide a play environment that is “active” or “interactive” in order to allow play participants to operate and control any one of a number of play elements while observing and learning about the associated causes and effects. 
     For example, my U.S. Pat. No. 5,194,048 and related design patent D330,579 first disclosed the concept of participatory or interactive waterplay in which play participants could operate any one of a number of valves to adjust the amount of water spraying from one or more associated water effects. Play participants adjust the various valves and can immediately observe the change in the quality, rate or direction of water produced by the associated water effect. Interactive play allows play participants to experiment with and learn about various cause-and-effect reactions using any one of a number of familiar and entertaining play media, such as water, balls, balloons or the like. Small children, particularly, can benefit from the fun learning experiences garnered from such interactive play activities. 
     My U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,197 disclosed the concept of an interactive water ride in the form of a waterslide. The water ride includes a waterslide portion comprising an inclined chute or channel upon which ride participants slide down. An adjacent stairway is provided to allow access to the top of the waterslide. Various water forming devices are positioned along the stairway and over the slide portion to allow persons climbing the stairs or waiting in line to expel water onto those sliding down the slide. In this manner, a water ride is provided facilitating interactive play. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the invention is an interactive wave pool which allows guests to participate actively in the creation and direction of waves and/or various associated waterplay effects. 
     Another aspect of the invention is a wave pool equipped with various waterplay elements by which play participants can spray, spill, dump, or direct water or other play media into a general area or at other play participants. 
     In accordance with one preferred embodiment an interactive wave pool comprises a body of water having a first end and a second end, and a wave generator at the first end of the body of water. One or more play elements are located near the body of water and are operable by a first play participant to direct play media at a target. 
     In accordance with another preferred embodiment an interactive wave pool comprises a pool having a deep end, a shallow end, and a bottom that slopes upward from the deep end toward the shallow end. A wave generator is situated at the deep end, and one or more interactive waterplay elements are located within range of the body of water. 
     In accordance with still another preferred embodiment a method of facilitating interactive play comprises providing a pool and a surrounding play area that are occupiable by a first group of play participants. The method further comprises placing a wave generator in operative association with the pool, and locating a number of interactive waterplay elements in the play area. The interactive waterplay elements are operable by a second group of play participants to propel play media at the first group of play participants. 
     All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Having thus summarized the general nature of the invention and its essential features and advantages, certain preferred embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description herein having reference to the figures that follow, of which: 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of an interactive wave pool in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a water blaster for use with an interactive wave pool; 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a pourspout for use with an interactive wave pool; 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a second version of a pourspout for use with an interactive wave pool; 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a third version of a pourspout for use with an interactive wave pool; 
     FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a fourth version of a pourspout for use with an interactive wave pool; 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic view of fifth version of a pourspout for use with an interactive wave pool; 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a shower for use with an interactive wave pool; 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a bucket dump for use with an interactive wave pool; 
     FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a playsink for use with an interactive wave pool; 
     FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a geyser for use with an interactive wave pool; and 
     FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an interactive wave maker that may be used by one or more play participants to generate waves in the surface of a pool. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of an interactive wave pool  10  in accordance with the present invention situated within a larger interactive water park. The interactive wave pool  10  is an in-ground body of water with a deep end  12 , a fan-shaped shallow end  14 , and a wave generator  16  located at the deep end  12 . Toward the shallow end  14 , the bottom of the interactive wave pool  10  slopes generally upward to resemble the geometry of the area near the water&#39;s edge at a beach. The wave generator  16  creates waves in the pool  10  which propagate toward the shallow end  14  and form crests or white caps once they reach a sufficiently shallow portion of the pool  10 . 
     Preferably, the wave generator  16  is activated intermittently with a 10-15 minute on interval alternating with a 10-15 minute off interval so as not to overtire the participants in the pool  10  and provide an entertainment experience which is alternately relaxing and exciting. Alternatively, the wave generator may be actuated by the play participants themselves. 
     A plurality of interactive waterplay elements  18  are provided alongside the pool  10  to facilitate interactive waterplay between participants in the pool  10  and/or those in the immediate surroundings. These interactive waterplay elements can include water blasters  20 , pourspouts  22 , or playsinks  24 . However, many varieties of interactive waterplay elements are suitable for use with the interactive wave pool  10 , as will be discussed in detail below. The particular interactive waterplay elements discussed herein are intended to be exemplary only, and thus serve as examples of the wide variety of play elements considered to be within the scope of the invention; namely, anything operable by a first play participant to direct play media (not only water, as will be discussed below) at a target. In one embodiment the interactive waterplay elements  18  are usable at any time to facilitate interactive play; in other embodiments they may be usable only during those intervals when the wave generator  16  is inactive. 
     FIGS. 2-10 show different varieties of interactive waterplay elements that are suitable for use with the interactive wave pool  10 . FIG. 2 shows a water blaster  20  which is usable by a first participant  26  near the side of the pool to direct a pressurized water jet  28  at a second participant  30  in the pool. A base  32  holds the water blaster  20  and may permit movement of the water blaster  20  as desired, such as rotation of the water blaster  20  about a vertical axis and/or about a horizontal axis parallel to the edge  34  of the pool, so that the first participant  26  can aim the water jet  28  as desired. In other embodiments, the water blaster  20  may be adapted to shoot play projectiles, such as foam rubber balls, tennis balls, balloons, soft plastic darts, etc., at the second participants  30  in the pool. 
     FIG. 3 shows a pourspout  22  which consists of a vertical member  310  and a horizontal member  312  extending over the water in the pool. The pourspout  22  conducts a flow of water  314  up the vertical member  310 , across the horizontal member  312 , and out of an opening  316 . From the opening  316 , the flow of water  314  falls to the surface of the water in the pool, perhaps onto a nearby second participant  30 . A wheel and valve  318  or other actuating means located on or near the vertical member  310  can be used by the first participant  26  to turn on or off or adjust the volume of the flow of water  314 . Thus, the first participant  26  can vary the horizontal distance which the flow of water  314  projects from the opening  316 ; with a heavier volume, the flow of water  314  will project a greater distance from the opening  316 . By appropriately manipulating the wheel and valve  318  or other actuating means, the first participant  26  can aim the flow of water  314  over limited range to strike the desired target in the pool. To provide an additional level of control, the horizontal member  312  or the entire pour spout  22  may rotatable about a generally vertical axis located within or parallel to the vertical member  310 , allowing the user to rotate the pourspout like a crane. 
     FIG. 4 shows a modified version of the pourspout  22  in which a plurality of holes  410  are situated along the horizontal member  312  so as to create a water curtain effect  414  upon manipulation of the wheel and valve  318 . 
     FIG. 5 shows yet another variation of the pourspout  22  in which a mist or fog sprayer  510  is located on the horizontal member  312  so as to generate a mist or fog  514  which may strike the second participant  30  upon manipulation of the lever  518  by the first participant  26 . It is contemplated that the lever  518  operates a ball type valve in the pourspout  22 , which provides a quicker full-open response upon rotation of the lever through 90°. This type of valve is perhaps better suited for use with the mist or fog sprayer  510 , but can be used as desired with the other variations of the pourspout  22  or many of the other interactive waterplay elements described herein. 
     FIG. 6 shows another variation on the basic pourspout  22  in which a pull cord  610  is operable by a first participant  26  while standing in the pool to permit the flow of a water  314  to issue from the opening  316  in the usual manner. Naturally, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the pull cord  610  is also suitable for use with the various other versions of the pourspout  22  disclosed herein. 
     FIG. 7 shows still another variation of the pourspout  22  in which a vertical nozzle  710  is located on the horizontal member  312 . Manipulation of the wheel and valve  318  will permit a flow of water  314  of varying size to project upward from the vertical nozzle  710 . The vertical nozzle  710  creates a flow of water  314  which projects over a relatively wide area compared to many of the other water forming devices described above. The vertical nozzle  710  thereby permits the first participant  26  to strike a large number of second participants  30  standing near the pourspout  22 . 
     FIG. 8 shows another interactive waterplay element in the form of a shower  810 . The shower  810  has a vertical member  812  which is suitable for carrying water up to a shower head  814 . On the vertical member  812  is located a wheel and valve  816 , which is operable by the first participant  26  to vary the intensity of a flow of water  818  directed at a second participant  30  in the pool. 
     FIG. 9 shows another interactive waterplay element in the form of a bucket dump  910 . The bucket dump  910  consists of a support structure  912  having a vertical member  914  and a horizontal member  916 . A bucket  918  is attached to the horizontal member  916  at a hinge point  920  so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis parallel to the edge  34  of the pool. A rope pull  922  is attached to the bucket  918  and is operable by first participant  26  to rotate the bucket about hinge point  920  and to dump its contents onto those below. A lever and valve  924  and a spout  926  permit refilling of the bucket. 
     FIG. 10 shows yet another interactive waterplay element in the form of a playsink  1010 . The playsink  1010  consists of an elevated open top tank  1012  with a plurality of openings  1014  along its bottom. The openings  1014  receive a corresponding plurality of stoppers  1016  which are attached to the tank  1012  by lanyards  1018 . Leading from the openings  1014  are a plurality of drain pipes  1020  which take a number of bends and turns as they progress away from their respective openings  1014 . Thus, when the first participant  26  removes the stopper  1016  from its opening  1014  by pulling on the stopper itself or the lanyard  1018 , water will flow out of the tank  1012  through the drain pipe  1020  in an entertaining manner. The tank  1012  is elevated such that water flowing from drain pipes  1020  can strike a second participant  30  standing underneath the drain pipes  1020 . Water is supplied to the playsink  1010  by a vertical spout  1022  that may incorporate a valve  1024  to permit selective operation by one or more play participants. 
     FIG. 11 depicts a geyser  1110  which may be suitable for use with an interactive wave pool in accordance with the present invention. The geyser  1110  consists of a geyser nozzle  1112  connected to a water supply pipe  1114  located underneath the bottom surface  1116  of the interactive wave pool near the shallow end  14 . When activated, either automatically (such as by a timer) or manually by a play participant, the geyser nozzle  1112  projects water through a grate  1118  located in the bottom surface  1116 , thereby forming a vertical water spray  1120 . 
     In FIG. 12 is shown an interactive wave maker  1210  that may be used by one or more play participants to generate waves in the surface of the pool, either in combination with or in place of a standard powered wave generator. The wave maker  1210  comprise one or more floats  1212  that support a generally horizontal pad  1214 . The floats and pad are configured as necessary to provide buoyancy and stability; e.g. with an annular or “donut” shaped float surrounding a central pad, or with four pads located at the comers of a square or rectangular pad. A number of tethers or springs  1216  anchor the wave maker  1210  to the floor of the pool, maintaining the wave maker&#39;s position with respect to the sides of the pool. The floats may be constructed of urethane, styrofoam, or any other suitable material. The pad  1214  may advantageously comprise a strong but relatively flexible material, such as a heavy nylon or neoprene sheet, etc. A play participant stands on the pad  1214  and creates waves  1218  in the surface of the pool by jumping up and down repeatedly. Alternatively, the wave maker  1210  can be used as a simple surface for sitting, standing, reclining, or otherwise serving as a “rest area” for play participants. The wave maker  1210  may advantageously incorporate theming elements (not shown) to give the wave maker  1210  the appearance of a lily pad. 
     While many of the foregoing descriptions of interactive waterplay elements involve a water blaster, pourspout, shower, etc. located at ground level at the side of the pool, and used by a first play participant standing outside of the pool to direct play media at a second play participant located inside the pool, it is contemplated that certain variations are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the waterplay elements need not be located outside of the pool or at ground level;, they may be mounted within the pool to be usable by play participants inside the pool (safety considerations permitting) or on elevated platforms adjacent the pool. In addition, the target of the play media directed by the interactive waterplay elements need not be a second play participant located in the pool; the second play participant may, for example, be in the areas surrounding the pool, or in a relatively remote location perhaps near a remotely-activated waterplay element operable by a control in or near the pool. Or the target may comprise something other than a person, e.g. a bucket or other receptacle that the play participant(s) must fill with water or other play media, or a series of targets that the play participant must strike or knock down. Upon filling the bucket or striking the required targets, the play participant(s) may earn a reward, such as activation of the wave generator, or bonus time during which the generator remains on. 
     Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.