Abstract:
The present invention involves an apparatus, namely a reef, used to transform ocean wave energy into preferred surfing waves. The reef is comprised of a hull having a substantially flat top surface with a vertically convex shape that preferably creates about a seventy degree tangential bow angle with the ocean surface. The bottom portion is tri-hull shaped and includes two side hulls and a center hull. The preferred embodiment is connected to a master vessel by control arms. The control arms can control the depth of the reef in water, thus controlling the wave characteristics. The control arms can also provide a ducting means for ballast pumps on the master vessel. In an alternative embodiment, the reef can be self-supporting in water. A single reef or a multiple reef configuration can be placed near shore to help prevent beach erosion by wave action, and or cause beach sand to accumulate. Several reefs can be connected for longer-lasting waves.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention generally relates to the field of surfing reefs. More specifically, the preferred embodiment of the present invention involves a floating reef system adapted to float on or near the surface of an ocean to capture the energy of deep water swells and surface waves and transform the energy into preferred surfing waves. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   The sport of surfing has attracted enthusiasts all over the world. Many of them travel long distances to locations where ideal surfing conditions exist. Particularly prized by expert surfers are the waves called “the chute” or “the pipeline”, that is, waves which move with sufficient velocity and height that, when they encounter an upwardly sloping bottom of certain configuration, curl forward over the advancing base of the wave to form a tunnel, inside or at the mouth of which expert surfers move laterally across the face of the wave, seeking to keep pace with the formation of the tunnel without being caught in the collapsing portion thereof. 
   The formation of such waves under natural conditions requires a comparatively rare combination of factors, including wind of a certain constancy of velocity and direction, and waves of a certain velocity, direction and height, approaching a shore having a certain bottom slope and configuration. There are not many places in the world with such a favorable combination of characteristics. Surfers generally must travel several hundred to several thousand miles to reach such locations where the optimum conditions can exist. Because there are few places where succeeding waves can be counted upon to be uniform for extended periods, the places that do offer such waves are often overcrowded. When crowded conditions exist, instead of focusing entirely on riding a wave, surfers must also try to avoid encountering and injuring other surfers, which can dampen the quality of the surfing experience. 
   Since the 1970&#39;s, wave pools have been built to combat the problem of non-ideal wave conditions that exist in many areas of the world, and hence alleviate the overcrowded locations where optimum surfing conditions exist. Typically, a wave pool is a modified pool for swimmers without detailed design for surfing, but the waves produced are meant to peel, rather than close out. However, surfers have had mixed reaction to the existing pools, and most have rejected them due to poor surfing wave quality. Generally, wave pools have been disfavored due to the inadequately designed shape of the pool, which controls wave height in the pool, and the poor bottom, shape, which acts as the reef for the wave to break on. Additionally, to make waves break for surfing, the bottom of the wave pool must be similar to ocean surfing reefs. However, the space available for the wave conditioning prior to the breaking of the waves is not available in wave pools. Therefore, although advances have been made in wave pool design, the characteristics of waves produced in wave pools have yet to match the ideal quality waves desired by surfers around the world. Thus, there still exists a demand for technology that can produce waves with ideal characteristics while simultaneously providing a realistic surfing environment that is not overcrowded. 
   Man-made oceanic reefs have also been used to try and solve the problem of non-ideal wave conditions at various locations. However, the production of a man-made reef can require substantial amounts of time and labor, resulting in significant costs. Similarly, the creation of a man-made reef also requires careful government monitoring and approval, which can also contribute to a delay in completion. In a like manner, obtaining the land rights to create such a reef can involve much effort as well as cost, and could face delay from court challenges by conservation and environmental groups. Lastly, even if such a man-made reef were feasible, the time, effort, and costs associated would likely limit the creation of such reefs to locations that contain the resources to build the reef. While a possibility, this solution does not present an adequate means for allowing surfing and other recreational activities in various locations worldwide. 
   Another problem closely associated with waves and wave action is the problem of beach erosion. In many locations throughout the world, wave action can cause beach material (sand, soil, pebbles, rocks, etc.) to wash away into the ocean at a significant rate. Various efforts have been made to combat the problem of beach and reef erosion. However, these efforts have been time consuming, costly, and not produced adequate results. Thus, a demand exists for technology that can be utilized to help prevent beach and reef erosion. 
   Therefore, it would be highly desirable to provide a relatively compact, mobile, and controllable free-floating apparatus that can capture and transform the energy of natural ocean swells, creating optimum wave conditions in any location for a variety of surf activities, including surfing, and can also be placed in proximity to an existing beach to help prevent erosion of the beach. 
   In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The principle advantage of this invention is to provide a device that can be used to capture the energy of deep water swells and surface waves and transform the energy into preferred surfing waves. 
   Another advantage of this invention is to provide a device for transforming ocean wave energy into preferred surfing waves that can be readily transported to various locations. 
   Another advantage of this invention is to provide a device for transforming ocean wave energy into preferred surfing waves that is relatively compact. 
   And still another advantage of this invention is to provide a device for transforming ocean wave energy into preferred surfing waves that can be self-supported in water. 
   And yet a further advantage of this invention is to provide a device for transforming ocean wave energy into preferred surfing waves that can be placed in proximity of an existing beach to protect against erosion of the beach by wave action. 
   And yet another advantage of this invention is to provide a device for transforming ocean wave energy into preferred surfing waves that, because of its mobility, does not present the problem of having to forecast the complex long-term consequences of a fixed man-made ocean reef, but rather presents the opportunity to adjust and keep focused the effects of the device&#39;s placement relative to the constantly changing patterns of multiple ocean waves. 
   And still a further advantage of this invention is to add a new and unique device to the field of surfing reefs. 
   These advantages, and other advantages of the invention, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure of the present invention as set forth herein. 
   The present invention involves an apparatus, namely a reef, used to transform ocean wave energy into preferred surfing waves. The reef is comprised of a hull having a substantially flat top surface with a vertically convex shape that preferably creates about a seventy degree tangential bow angle with the ocean surface. The bottom portion is tri-hull shaped and includes two side hulls and a center hull. The preferred embodiment is connected to a master vessel by control arms. The control arms can control the depth of the reef in water, thus controlling the wave characteristics. The control arms can also provide a ducting means for ballast pumps on the master vessel. In an alternative embodiment, the reef can be self-supporting in water. The reef can be placed near a beach or natural reef to prevent erosion by wave action. Several reefs can be connected for longer-lasting waves. 
   There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principals of this invention. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of the floating oceanic surfing reef attached to a master vessel, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  depicts a side view of the floating oceanic surfing reef attached to a master vessel by a control arm, situated within water, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 3A  depicts a perspective view of one end of the preferred embodiment of a control arm unattached to either floating oceanic surfing reef or a master vessel, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 3B  depicts a top view of the end portion of a control arm for connection to a master vessel, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  depicts a bottom view of the floating oceanic surfing reef attached to a master vessel by three control arms, illustrating the tri-hull configuration of floating oceanic surfing reef, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 5A  depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the floating oceanic surfing reef containing four retractable wave dampening means, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 5B  depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the floating oceanic surfing reef containing two retractable wave dampening means, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  depicts a side view of the preferred depth and angular positioning of the floating oceanic surfing reef in relation to the ocean surface, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the floating oceanic surfing reef containing means for freestanding capabilities within the ocean, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of several floating oceanic surfing reefs positioned in close proximity to or adjacent to a beach shoreline or natural reef for recreational use or the purpose of preventing erosion of the beach material or natural reef, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of an combination of several floating oceanic surfing reefs to allow for waves to break for a longer period of time and a farther distance, constructed in accordance with the present invention; and 
       FIG. 10  depicts a perspective view of an alternate configuration of several floating oceanic surfing reefs to allow for waves to break for a longer period of time and a farther distance, constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in  FIG. 1  a perspective view of the floating oceanic surfing reef  10  attached to a master vessel  20  by control arms  30 . The optimum dimensions of floating oceanic surfing reef  10  to produce waves with desirable characteristics are 480 feet in length and 360 feet in width. At these dimensions, floating oceanic surfing reef  10  can transform free ocean wave energy into waves  11  with 20 foot faces and 15 second periods. It is to be understood that the dimensions of floating oceanic surfing reef  10  can be varied to produce waves with certain specific characteristics, such as favoring either a right or left shoulder, as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. These dimensions can range upward from 125 feet in length and 100 feet in width, as long as the length is approximately 25% larger than the size of the width. Floating oceanic surfing reef  10  is preferably constructed of a steel or aluminum, but can be comprised of other lightweight and strong materials, such as a carbon fiber epoxy composite, and other materials as recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. Floating oceanic surfing reef  10  has a top surface  12  and a bottom portion  14 . Top surface  12  is comprised preferably flat, but can contain surface variations to focus and optimize smaller wave energy and assist in producing waves that contain specific characteristics for a variety of recreational activities including but not limited to surfing, body boarding, and swimming. Top surface  12  is preferably comprised of rubber with an elastomer coating for safety and comfort reasons. 
   Top surface  12  employs the phenomenon of wave defraction and refraction to focus smaller wave energy. The focusing of smaller wave energy is done by changing the substantially flat top surface  12  with incompressible water filled bladders (not shown) via a ducting manifold that can be controlled within control arms  30 . These bladders can preferably be comprised of a high tension rubber material. When filled, the bladders create a physical obstruction to the wave energy as it propagates over the top surface  12 . Refraction occurs bending the wave energy to advantage. This, coupled along with defractive lateral propagation wave energy from the edges of reef  10  can help create waves that momentarily are higher than the adjacent waves. 
   Master vessel  20  can be any type of floating vessel capable of towing a large object, ranging from small yachts to cruise ships. Floating oceanic surfing reef  10  is attached to master vessel  20  by control arms  30 . Control arms  30  are rigid structures that help control floating oceanic surfing reef  10 . In the preferred embodiment, floating oceanic surfing reef  10  is attached to master vessel  20  by three control arms  30 . However, it is within the scope of the present invention for floating oceanic surfing reef  10  to be attached to master vessel  20  by one or several control arms  30 . When control arms  30  are in a locked position, floating oceanic surfing reef  10  and master vessel  20  are engaged in a substantially fixed orientation. Control arms  30  can be adjusted to control the depth and positioning of floating oceanic surfing reef  10  within the ocean, thereby varying the character of the waves breaking over floating oceanic surfing reef  10 . 
   Control arms  30  also can provide a means of ducting for ballast pumps (not shown) on master vessel  20 , which further control the positioning and depth of floating oceanic surfing reef  10  in ocean water. Control arms  30  can also serve as a conduit for electrical or air lines that facilitate the process of controlling the positioning and depth of floating oceanic surfing reef  10  in ocean water. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , there is seen a side view of floating oceanic surfing reef  10  attached to master vessel  20 , within water  22 . Floating oceanic surfing reef  10  is attached to master vessel  20  via control arms  30  (only one shown). Floating oceanic surfing reef  10 , while inherently possessing buoyant characteristics, can be submerged in water  22  to a desired depth. Control arms  30  preferably allow the hydraulic pivotal adjustment of floating oceanic surfing reef  10  to attain the desired depth positioning in water  22 . Bottom portion  14  is comprised of side hulls  16  (only one shown) and center hull  18 . Side hulls  16  extend in a downward and inward curvilinear fashion from top surface  12  to center hull  18 . 
   When floating oceanic surfing reef  10  is desired to be transported by master vessel  20 , side hulls  16  and center hull  18  are unballasted so that floating oceanic surfing reef  10  will float. Before floating oceanic surfing reef  10  can be used to generate waves  11 , side hulls  16  and center hull  18  must be ballasted to lower floating oceanic surfing reef  10  into the water to the desired depth. Although control arms  30  can aid in positioning floating oceanic surfing reef  30  to a desired depth, additional depth positioning procedures, such as ballasting are needed to provide maximum depth adjustment capabilities. Additionally, floating oceanic surfing reef  10  contains several buoys  24  attached to the perimeter of top surface  12  for the purpose of providing attachment means for protective netting against sharks, etc. 
   Also seen in  FIG. 2  is the preferred method for controlling the depth positioning of floating oceanic surfing reef  10 . Control arm  30  is preferably comprised of a horizontal shaft  32  with master vessel end  31  and reef end  33 . At master vessel end  31 , at least two support plates  36  are welded or otherwise attached to master vessel end  31  for attachment of control arm  30  to master vessel  20 . To adjust positioning of control arm  30 , a drive shaft  38  is connected to a bevel gear  40  that turns a screw drive  42 . Drive shaft  38  can be controlled by a control motor  44  contained within master vessel  20 . Screw drive  42  is used to rotate a gear  46  that is attached to an axle  48  (see  FIG. 3A ), thereby altering the positioning of floating oceanic surfing reef  10 . Reef end  33  is preferably rigidly attached to a rigid structure  49  within floating oceanic surfing reef  10  by welding or some other method to prevent movement of control arm  30  in relation to floating oceanic surfing reef  10 . In other embodiments, hydraulics or pneumatics contained within master vessel  20  or control arm  30  can be used to adjust the depth positioning of floating oceanic surfing reef  10 . 
   A wave dissipater  29  can also be contained within floating oceanic surfing reef  10 . Wave dissipater  29  is used to help prevent waves from crashing into the back of master vessel  20 . Wave dissipater  29  preferably is comprised of a slotted hollow cavity where water passing over floating oceanic reef  10  can enter into and be slightly or substantially dissipated, depending on the size dimensions of wave dissipater  29 , helping to lessen the wave force encountering master vessel  20 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 3A  there is seen a perspective view of one end  31  of the preferred embodiment of control arm  30  unattached to floating oceanic surfing reef  10 . Depicted in the figure is the portion of control arm  30 , namely master vessel end  31 , for attachment to master vessel  20 . Master vessel end  31  is preferably comprised of several rounded leaf-like portions  34 . At least two support plates  36  are welded or otherwise attached to master vessel  20  for attachment of control arm  30  to master vessel  20 . As discussed above, to adjust positioning of control arm  30 , a drive shaft  38  is connected to a bevel gear  40  that turns a screw drive  42 . Drive shaft  38  can be controlled by a control motor  44  contained within master vessel  20 . Screw drive  42  is used to rotate a gear  46  that is attached to an axle  48 , thereby altering the positioning of floating oceanic surfing reef  10 . A hydraulic ram (not shown) is preferably used to drive a stopping pin  52  through holes  54  in gear  46  to prevent the rotation of gear  46  when the proper positioning of floating oceanic surfing reef  10  has been set. Alternatively, a hydraulic ram can be used to compress at least one set of brake calipers (not shown) attached to master vessel end  31  to prevent rotation of gear  46 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 3B  there is shown a top view of master vessel end  31  of control arm  30  for connection to master vessel  20 . Master vessel end  31  is comprised of preferably three leaf-like portions  34 . However, it is to be recognized that master vessel end  31  can also contain two leaf-like portions  34  or more than three leaf-like portions  34 . Leaf-like portions  34  are designed so that support plates  36  can interweave within leaf-like portions  34 , thereby providing for both secure attachment and rotational ability of control arm  30 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , there is seen a bottom view of floating oceanic surfing reef  10  attached to master vessel  20  by control arms  30 , illustrating the tri-hull configuration of floating oceanic surfing reef  10 , particularly the location of side hulls  16  and center hull  18 . Master vessel  20  may contain one or more propellers  26  to aid in towing floating oceanic surfing reef  10 . Control arms  30  are preferably attached to master vessel  20  away from propellers  26 . Control arms  30  are preferably comprised of a strong, but flexible, corrosion-resistant material. Also depicted in the figure are the positioning of wave dampers  60  contained within an alternative embodiment of floating oceanic surfing reef  10  (see  FIG. 5A ). 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 5A , there is seen a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of floating oceanic surfing reef  10 . This embodiment of floating oceanic surfing reef  10  preferably includes at least four wave dampers  60  retractably contained within floating oceanic surfing reef  10 . When floating oceanic surfing reef  10  is being towed to sea, wave dampers  60  are retracted into floating oceanic surfing reef  10 . However, when floating oceanic surfing reef  10  is positioned within the water, wave dampers  60  can be lowered into the ocean to help provide stability. Wave dampers  60  are all preferably lowered to the same depth in the ocean. However, to produce waves that break from different directions or with different characteristics, some wave dampers  60  can be lowered to different levels by retractable members  61 , or not lowered at all. Additionally, floating oceanic surfing reef  10  can include a sea anchor  62  to prevent the floating oceanic surfing reef  10  from straying from the intended relative position within the ocean. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 5B , there is seen a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of floating oceanic surfing reef  10  that can be self-supported in water. This embodiment of floating oceanic surfing reef  10  preferably includes two elongated wave dampers  64  retractably contained by retractable members  65  within floating oceanic surfing reef  10 . In this embodiment, both wave dampers  64  can be lowered at different levels or not lowered at all to produce varying waves. A sea anchor  62  can also be attached to the floating oceanic surfing reef  10  containing only two wave dampers  64 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , there is seen a side view of the preferred depth and angular positioning of floating oceanic surfing reef  10  in relation to the ocean surface  28 . In the preferred embodiment, to produce waves with ideal characteristics top surface  12  is positioned between 3 and 20 feet below ocean surface  28  with the outer-most forward edge  15  of bottom portion  14  positioned at a depth of approximately 120 feet below ocean surface  28 . This positioning of floating oceanic surfing reef  10  creates a bow angle to tangent  38  at outer-most forward edge  15  with ocean surface  28  that is preferably about 70 degrees. Bow angle to tangent  38  can be varied to a larger or smaller angle, ranging from about 40 degrees to 80 degrees to produce waves with certain specific characteristics, as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , there is seen a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of floating oceanic surfing reef  70 . Floating oceanic surfing reef  70  is freestanding and does not need the support of a towing vessel. Thus, floating oceanic surfing reef  70  can be towed to a location, positioned, and left to help create ideal surfable waves  73  or protect beaches or natural reefs from incoming waves (see  FIG. 8 ). Also shown in the figure is a light  71 . Light  71  is used to help notify other crafts of the location of floating oceanic surfing reef  70 . One or more sea anchors  62  can be attached to floating oceanic surfing reef  70  for maintaining location within the ocean. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , there is seen a perspective view of several floating oceanic surfing reefs  10  in a fixed positioned in close proximity to or adjacent to a beach shoreline  72  for recreational use or the purpose of preventing erosion of the beach material. The impact of the wave energy shown by arrows  74  coming into the beach will be partially absorbed and deflected by the floating oceanic surfing reefs  10 , thereby preventing damage to the beachfront. The positioning of several floating oceanic surfing reefs  10  into array “A” as shown in the figure allows natural current drift shown by arrows  76  to build up an accumulation of beach sand in the pattern as shown by mound  78 . The positioning of several floating oceanic surfing reefs  10  into array “A+B” as shown in the figure allows natural current drift shown by arrows  76  to build up an accumulation of beach sand in the pattern as shown by mound  79 . Thus, depending on the number of and positioning of floating oceanic surfing reefs  10 , it is possible to gradually build up sand around a particular shoreline area. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , there is seen a perspective view of a combination of several floating oceanic surfing reefs  10  to allow for waves  81  to break for a longer period of time and a farther distance, thus allowing more surfers to surf the waves. Coupling members  80  are used to connect two floating oceanic surfing reefs  10 . Coupling members  80  are preferably comprised of high strength rubber that allow for movement of the reefs  10 . In this arrangement, the additional floating oceanic surfing reefs  10  do not need to be attached to a master vessel  20 , however it is possible that more than one master vessel  20  can be used to help support the combination. Because numerous floating oceanic surfing reefs  10  can be possible connected to the floating oceanic surfing reef  10  attached to a master vessel  20 , the additional reefs are preferably somewhat smaller in dimension than the attached floating oceanic surfing reef  10 . Transitional reefs  90  can be connected to the floating oceanic surfing reef  10  to help set other floating oceanic surfing reefs  10  off at a 45 degree angle to the floating oceanic surfing reef  10  that is attached to master vessel  20  and serves as the base reef for other floating oceanic surfing reefs  10  to attach. Transitional reefs  90  can be of varying shapes depending on the particular angle that is chosen to offset the additional reefs from the attached reef. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , there is seen a perspective view of an alternate configuration of several connected floating oceanic surfing reefs  100  to allow for waves  91  to break for a longer period of time and a farther distance, thus allowing more surfers to surf the waves. In this configuration, transitional reefs, such as transitional reefs  92 ,  94 ,  96  and  98  extend outward to starboard from the stern of the master vessel  20 . Additionally, transitional reefs  102 ,  104 ,  106  and  108  can extend to port. Moreover, both sets of transitional reefs may extend in both directions from the center reef. Transitional reefs  92 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106  and  108  as shown here are constructed to mount flush to each other when connected, unlike the transitional reefs shown in  FIG. 9 , and previously described. 
   With respect to the above description it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents fall within the scope of the present invention. 
   The above description, together with the objects of the invention and the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific advantages attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
   Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way.