Abstract:
Present embodiments are directed to a system and method for generating waves in multiple directions. Present embodiments may include a wave generation mechanism configured to be positioned centrally within a container filled with water that is sufficiently sized to facilitate recreational activities for patrons within the container. The wave generation mechanism may include at least one actuator configured to activate at least one water-displacement medium to displace the water such that waves are propagated through the water, and a directional feature configured to direct the waves away from the wave generation mechanism after activation of the actuator such that the waves are propagated outward from the wave generation mechanism in multiple directions.

Description:
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and equipment utilized to generate waves that are directed in multiple directions from a wave generator that is substantially or completely encompassed by a perimeter of a wave pool. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Water parks have grown in popularity throughout the world in recent years. A water park is a type of amusement park that incorporates water features and rides, such as water slides, spray areas, lazy rivers, swimming pools, and other recreational bathing and swimming environments. Water parks may include artificial imitations of nature. For example, many water parks include artificial rivers and rides that simulate river rapids or waterfalls. As another example, water parks may include one or more wave pools that function as an artificial ocean environment. A wave pool may be described as a sanitized and controlled version of the natural surf and beach of an ocean shore. 
         [0003]    Wave pools may be utilized to provide guests of a water park with an artificial environment for surfing, body boarding, or the like. Further, a wave pool may be provided in which guests can swim or merely lounge and enjoy the waves passing through the water. In order to provide an appropriate setting for a variety of guest activities, different types of waves may be desired. For example, large or powerful waves may be preferable for surfing activities and smaller waves may be preferable for swimming activities. Accordingly, a water park may provide different wave pools for different activities. Similarly, a water park may provide different types of waves in the same wave pool at different times to provide guests with a variety of experiences. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  is a schematic plan view of a wave pool in accordance with present techniques; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wave pool of  FIG. 1  in accordance with present techniques; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a schematic plan view of a wave pool including polygonal island and a walkway or barrier in accordance with present techniques; 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a wave pool including a plunger system in accordance with present techniques; 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  includes a schematic plan view of a wave pool and side views of plunger systems utilized by a wave generation mechanism of the wave pool in accordance with present techniques; 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is an overhead view of a plurality of plunger systems in a contracted condition, wherein plungers of the plunger systems are coupled together via an expandable sheet in accordance with present techniques; 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  is an overhead view of the plurality of plunger systems of  FIG. 6  in an expanded condition, wherein plungers of the plunger systems are coupled together via an expandable sheet in accordance with present techniques; 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a wave pool including a water dump system in accordance with present techniques; 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a water dump system in accordance with present techniques; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a wave pool including a air blast system in accordance with present techniques; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    The present disclosure relates generally to a wave pool that can be roughly circular in configuration, allowing water park patrons or guests to access waves at locations all around or substantially all around a perimeter of the wave pool. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods and equipment for providing waves in a wave pool from a location within the perimeter of the wave pool such that the waves propagate outwardly in multiple directions to a shoreline of the wave pool. Indeed, in accordance with present embodiments waves can be generated from a wave generation mechanism located at or near a center of the wave pool such that the waves expand outward 360 degrees or in multiple directions around the wave pool. Wave pools in accordance with present embodiments may provide a visually appealing and unique experience for water park patrons or guests. Different waves may be produced in different directions from the wave generation mechanism such that guests can move around the encompassing shore to preferred areas. Further, present embodiments may enable guests to swim completely around the wave generation mechanism. Additionally, the wave generation mechanism may coordinate wave generation in different directions to form unique wave patterns (e.g., a spiral wave) throughout the wave pool. 
         [0016]    Turning to the figures,  FIG. 1  is a schematic plan view of a wave pool  100  in accordance with present embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the wave pool  100  includes a pool area  102 , a wave generation mechanism  104  positioned within a perimeter  106  of the wave pool  100 , a porous barrier  108  surrounding the wave generation mechanism  104 , a water gathering system  110 , a platform  112  that is integrated with the wave generation mechanism  104  and extends over the porous barrier  112 , and a shore or beach area  114 . The wave pool  100  is also illustrated in  FIG. 2 , which provides a schematic cross-sectional view of the wave pool  100  along line A-A. The wave pool  100  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  is representative of one embodiment of the present disclosure. Indeed, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, various aspects of the wave pool  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  may not be included, may be arranged differently, or may include different characteristics. For example, in some embodiments, the wave pool  100  does not include the water gathering system  110  or the platform  112 . 
         [0017]    The pool area  102  is generally formed by a container  120  (e.g., a concrete-lined excavation) that is filled with water. The water surrounds the wave generation mechanism  104  and other features (e.g., the platform  112 ), which may cumulatively form an island  122 . In the illustrated embodiment, the container  120  includes a bottom  124  that gradually slopes upward from a substantially central location toward the perimeter  106 . This gradual sloping provides a shoreline for the wave pool  100  that imitates a natural beach area. In some embodiments, the slope may vary in different areas of the container  120  such that different areas along the perimeter  106  provide a variety of experiences for patrons. For example, different types of waves may be provided at different points along the perimeter  106  based on the nature of the slope proximate such points. Further, in some embodiments, portions of the container  120  along the perimeter  106  may form a perpendicular or substantially perpendicular wall. 
         [0018]    The wave generation mechanism  104  generates waves by initiating wave energy (e.g., displacing or pushing) the water in the wave pool  100 , which causes the water molecules to push (e.g., lift) other water molecules such that a wave propagates through the water toward the shore  114 . A swell of the water forms as a wave passes through the water. In accordance with present embodiments, the wave generation mechanism  104  may generate waves by one of several methods or a combination of methods that may utilize various different displacement mediums (e.g., solid features, water, or air). Specifically, for example, water waves may be generated by displacing the water with pressurized air, pumped water, paddles, plungers, a volume of water dumped into the wave pool  100 , or the like. Further, various different mechanisms may be utilized together to generate waves. Indeed, a combination of such mechanisms may enable generation of a specific type of wave. The manner in which the water is displaced or pushed by the wave generation mechanism  104  causes certain wave characteristics. Further, as a wave approaches the shore  114 , the wave may change or combine with other waves. For example, the wave may slow and become laterally compressed because of changes in the container  120  (e.g., changes in depth). However, since the wave must essentially carry the same energy, it becomes higher or taller, which may eventually cause the wave to break. The slope of the bottom  124  impacts certain aspects of this wave formation and/or breaking process such that wave characteristics vary depending on the slope. Thus, present embodiments may coordinate features of the wave generation mechanism  104  with aspects of the bottom  124  or other characteristics of the container  120  to provide a variety of wave types. 
         [0019]    The wave generation mechanism  104  may be located above and/or below a waterline or shoreline of the wave pool. The porous barrier  108  (e.g., a slotted wall or a barrier with an open grid pattern) may allow waves to pass through from the wave generation mechanism  104  while blocking patrons from accessing the wave generation mechanism  104 . In some embodiments, the wave generation mechanism  104  has a polygonal shape or a displacement device of the wave generation mechanism includes a polygonal shape. For example, the wave generation mechanism  104  may include a single plunger with contact surfaces (e.g., bevels) arranged in a polygon that direct waves away from each side of the plunger upon being dropped into the water. In another embodiment, the wave generation mechanism  104  may include a plurality of wave generating devices arranged such that they form a polygon. Such polygonal configurations of the wave generation mechanism  104  may correspond to the island  122  being generally polygonal in shape, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In other embodiments, the wave generation mechanism  104  and the island  122  may be generally round. Different configurations of the wave generation mechanism  104  and/or the container  120  may facilitate generation of waves with different sizes and intensities along different areas of the perimeter  106  (or the beach area) of the wave pool  100 . As illustrated by  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the wave generation mechanism  104  may be positioned closer to one part of the perimeter  106  than other parts of the perimeter  106  such that it is less centralized and different types of waves will impact the different areas of the perimeter  106  based on proximity to the wave generation mechanism  104 . 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the wave generation mechanism  104  receives or accumulates water from the pool area  102  for use as a displacement medium. Indeed, at least a portion of the water utilized for wave generation may be acquired from various locations in the pool area  102 . In other embodiments, water may be returned to the island  122  from the perimeter  106  to assist in creating certain wave characteristics (e.g., by reducing interference from waves bouncing off the edges of the container  120 ) or for other reasons (e.g., water supply for water cannons, waterfalls, or spray areas). In embodiments wherein water is moved to the island  122  or to the wave generation mechanism  103  from the pool area  102 , the water gathering system  110  may be employed. Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the wave pool  100  includes water drains  130  that are configured to receive water at locations around the perimeter  106 . In other embodiments, the water drains  130  may be located in different areas. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the water drains  130  include openings  132  with gratings  134  positioned over them, wherein the water drains  130  are located in a groove or channel  136  around the perimeter  106 . The channel  136  may function to direct water toward the water drains  130 . In some embodiments, the gratings  134  may cover the entire channel  136  to filter out large particles (e.g., trash) and prevent patrons from stepping in the channel  136 . These water drains  130 , channels  136 , and so forth are components of the water gathering system  110 . In other embodiments, different components and arrangements may be utilized. 
         [0021]    The water drains  130  gather water and drain into transport features  140  (e.g., piping or canals), which are also components of the water gathering system  110 . The transport features facilitate transport (e.g., via gravity) of the water that has been gathered by the water drains  130  to the wave generation mechanism  104  or other features of the island  122 . Traditional wave pools may include a water-collection reservoir that flows along the surface from an edge of the wave pool to an area behind or beside a wave generator. In the illustrated embodiment, the transport features  140  include the channel  136  that extends around the perimeter  106  and a pair of pipes that run underneath the bottom  124  of the container  120  to a pumping system  144  of the wave generation mechanism  104 . In other embodiments, the transport features  140  may be arranged differently. For example, in one embodiment, each water drain  130  may drain directly into piping that transports drained water into the pumping system  144 . In another embodiment, the water drains  130  are positioned around the wave pool  100  and drain to a gathering location that is connected to a single transport feature  140  that extends from the gathering location to the wave generation mechanism  104  or the island  122  and facilitates water flow thereto. The pumping system  144  operates to prepare the gathered water for wave generation. For example, the pumping system  144  may pump water out from the wave generation mechanism  104  in a jet stream, pump the water into a containment vessel of the wave generation mechanism  104  for release into the pool area  102 , or both. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the wave pool  100  may include a structure  150  (e.g., a barrier, a walkway, or a bridge) that extends from the shore  114  to the platform  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the structure  150  includes a walking path that enables patrons to walk from the shore  114  to the platform  112  to participate in recreation on the platform  112 . Indeed, the platform  112  may be designed to imitate a natural island by including vegetation, a shore-like area, rock structures, and so forth. The structure  150  may also enable maintenance workers to easily access the wave generation mechanism  104 . In one embodiment, the structure  150  houses one or more of the transport features  140 . For example, the structure  150  may include a barrier that extends from the water surface to the bottom  124  and the structure  150  may include piping or a channel that extends from a gathering point (e.g., one of the water drains  130 ) to the wave generation mechanism  104  to facilitate supplying the wave generation mechanism  104  or otherwise moving the water from areas around the perimeter  106  to the island  122 . In one embodiment, the structure  150  may not extend all the way to the bottom  124  such that patrons can swim under the structure  150 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wave pool  100  wherein the wave generation mechanism  104  comprises a plunger system  200  configured to generate waves in multiple directions in the wave pool  100 . The plunger system  200  includes a plunger  202  for a displacement device and an actuator  204 . In operation, the plunger  202  is pressed or dropped into the water. The impact of the plunger  202  in the water generates a wave that expands away from the plunger  202  in multiple directions (e.g., in all directions) toward the surrounding shore  114 . Impact or contact surfaces of the plunger  202  (e.g., angled faces) may cause certain wave characteristics. Indeed, certain surface features of the plunger  202  function as directional features that direct generated waves in a certain direction. The actuator  204  may include motors (e.g., hydraulically driven motors or pneumatically driven motors) that are configured to repeatedly lift and drop (or press) the plunger  202  into the water to generate waves. 
         [0024]    The plunger  202  may have a polygonal or round cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger  202  includes contact features or impacting elements  206  (e.g., ledges with beveled faces) around the perimeter of the plunger  202  that facilitate wave generation. These impacting elements  206  also serve as directional features that guide waves in a particular direction. The plunger  202  may have different impacting elements  206  with different features on different sides such that various types of waves are generated by each side or such that waves are generated at different times based on the same actuation of the plunger  202 . In one embodiment, the plunger  202  may be segmented. Similarly, a plurality of plungers may be utilized around the wave generation mechanism  104  to generate different types of waves in different directions. Specifically, the plunger  202  or a plurality of plungers may impact the water non-uniformly such that interesting wave patterns are generated and may extend out 360 degrees. For example, in one embodiment, the impacting elements  206  may correspond to a single beveled face that spirals around the perimeter of the plunger  202  at an angle or at changing angles such that different portions of the beveled face sequentially impact the water upon actuation of the plunger  202  and create a spiral wave pattern. As another example, the impacting elements  206  may include a plurality of angled or contoured faces of a single plunger or multiple plungers arranged at varying heights such that when the single plunger or the multiple plungers are directed into water, different impacting elements contact the water at different times. This may facilitate coordination of wave generation by the plunger in different directions such that patterns of waves can be formed. For example, various waves may be generated and different times and in different directions to produce a spiral wave in the wave pool  100 . In another embodiment, a plunger may be maneuvered (e.g., driven into the water at varying times at varying angles) in the water to generate an uneven wave. Specifically, for example, a plunger may be moved vertically into and out of the water while pitching and/or rolling to generate certain wave characteristics. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, the wave generation mechanism  104  includes a plurality of plungers that are arranged together such that they face outward from the wave generation mechanism  104  toward the shore  114 , which may completely surround the wave generation mechanism  104 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Such plungers may be driven linearly or by a linkage system. For example, a plurality of plunger systems may be arranged to form a perimeter of the wave generation system  104  such that they can be dropped or pressed into the water to generate waves in different directions. As examples, the plunger systems may include a laterally-actuated system  302 , an angled plunger system  304 , a vertically-actuated system  306 , and a radially-actuated system  308 .  FIG. 5  illustrates schematic side views of the plunger systems  302 ,  305 ,  306 ,  308 . Further,  FIG. 5  also illustrates locations of each type of plunger system with respect to the wave generation mechanism  104  in a plan view of the wave pool  100  in accordance with present embodiments. Each of the plunger systems includes an actuator  310  and a plunger  312 . The plungers  312  of the laterally-actuated system  302  and the angled plunger system  304  are plates with planar faces that serve as impact elements, whereas the plunger  312  for the vertically-actuated system  306  includes a neck  314  (e.g., a plate-like structure), and a beveled head  316 , which may be elongate such that more water is impacted and longer waves are generated. The plunger  312  for the radially-actuated system  308  includes paddles that are rotated into the water to generate waves. The laterally-actuated system  302  moves in a lateral direction when actuated (as indicated by arrow  320 ), the angled plunger system  304  moves in a radial direction when actuated (as indicated by arrow  322 ), the vertically-actuated system  306  moves in a vertical direction when actuated (as indicated by arrow  324 ), and the radially-actuated system  308  rotates when actuated (as indicated by arrow  326 ). These different types of plunger systems may produce different types of waves and/or coordinate to generate a wave pattern. For example, a spiral wave  320  that may be generated by coordinated actuation of the plunger systems  302 ,  305 ,  306 ,  308  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, a plurality of different plungers (e.g., the plungers  312  of the laterally actuated plunger system  302  and the angled plunger system  304 ) may be coupled together by a flexible material. For example, a flexible/stretchable material (e.g., a rubber sheet) may extend between edges of the plungers  312  to provide contact with water in areas that the plungers  312  would not directly contact otherwise. For example,  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate top views of a plurality of plunger systems  400  with an expandable sheet  402  (e.g., a rubber sheet) that couples plungers  404  of the plurality of plunger systems  400  together such that the expandable sheet  402  extends between edges of the plungers  404 . Specifically,  FIG. 6  illustrates the plunger systems  400  in an expanded condition  408 , and  FIG. 7  illustrates the plunger systems  400  in a contracted condition  410  to illustrate the action of the expandable sheet  402  during wave generation by the plunger systems  400  in accordance with present embodiments. In the expanded condition  408 , waves are generated partly by the movement of the expandable sheet  402 . While a single expandable sheet is illustrated, in some embodiments, multiple expandable sheets may be utilized such that the edges of the sheets couple with edges of the plungers  404 . It should further be noted that, while  FIGS. 6 and 7  show the plunger systems  400  being actuated simultaneously, in some embodiments, each of the plunger system  400  may be actuated at different times. 
         [0027]      FIG. 8  illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the wave generation mechanism  104  including a water dump system  500  in accordance with present embodiments. In this embodiment, water is pumped into a tank  502  by the pumping system  144  and released by release mechanisms  504  (e.g., valves) into the wave pool  100 . This dumping or ejecting may create wave actions in multiple directions by ejecting the water through directional features, such as release tubes  506  positioned around the wave generation mechanism  504  (e.g., in a circular arrangement). In some embodiments, the tank  502  may be pressurized with pumps  506  to increase the rate of release. Also, the tank  502  may be segmented to facilitate generation of waves with different timing and different characteristics in different directions. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the tank  502  may include a tank wall  600  and a sealing mechanism  602 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The tank  502  may receive water from the pumping system  144  while the tank wall  600  is engaged with the sealing mechanism  602 . When a sufficient amount of water has accumulated in the tank  502 , the tank wall  600  may be lifted from engagement with the sealing mechanism  602  by an actuator  604 , as represented by arrow  606 , such that water is released in multiple directions from the break between the bottom of the tank wall  600  and the sealing mechanism  602 . Once the water is released, the tank wall  600  may be lowered into engagement with the sealing mechanism  602  for filling of the tank  502  with water again. In some embodiments, water released in this manner may be guided via directional features (e.g., tubing, channels, or spouts) in multiple directions. Further, in some embodiments, the tank wall  500  may serve as a directional feature by varying in height such that water is released at different times from different sides when it is lifted. Likewise, the sealing mechanism  602  may vary in configuration to direct water flow differently when the tank wall  502  is lifted from engagement. Also, in some embodiments, the tank wall  600  may be lowered into a sheath-like sealing mechanism such that water accumulated in the tank  502  flows out from a top of the tank  502 . In some embodiments, dumping systems such as the dumping system  500  may be incorporated into the wave generation mechanism  104  as one of various wave generating systems that combine to generate waves in multiple directions. 
         [0029]      FIG. 10  illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the wave generation mechanism  104  in accordance with present embodiments. Specifically, the wave generation mechanism  104  illustrated in  FIG. 9  includes an air blast system  600  configured to blast compressed air into the water of the wave pool  100  to generate waves in multiple directions. In operation, the air blast system  600  compresses air in an air tank  602  with an air compressor  604  and releases the compressed air periodically with release mechanisms  606  (e.g., valves) into tubing  608  that directs the compressed air into the water such that waves are generated. The tubing  608  includes spouts that are arranged around the wave generation mechanism. Systems such as the air blast system  600  may be combined with other systems to generate waves in accordance with present embodiments. 
         [0030]    While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.