Patent ID: 12195992

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG.1shows a wave pool1of the present invention which comprises a series of wave generators3extended along a relatively deep end5, i.e., shown on the left hand side of the drawing, and a pool floor7that extends from the wave generators3toward the opposite relatively shallow end9, i.e., shown on the right hand side of the drawing, wherein a shoreline11with a beach15is extended thereon (as shown in relation to the zero depth line13). In this embodiment, the side walls17extended on either side (shown at the top and bottom of the drawing) extend outward in a fan-shape such that the waves progressively widen as they travel from deep end5to shallow end9, although as shown inFIG.9, the side walls can extend substantially parallel to one another, or have a different configuration, as will be discussed.

Preferably extended across pool floor7are multiple wave-breaking zones, i.e., such as Zones10,20and30, shown inFIG.1, extended back to back, one after the other, which allow different wave breaking formations with different wave characteristics to be generated within each zone. Each zone, i.e., Zones10,20,30, etc., is preferably defined by an inclined section12, followed by a declined and/or substantially horizontal section14(hereinafter “declined/horizontal section”), wherein between each zone there is preferably a wave reforming area16, which is preferably relatively deep and allows the waves that pass from one zone to another to regenerate and reform, such that they can travel to the next zone, where the waves can reform and re-break again. Each zone is preferably configured in the manner shown inFIG.1wherein each inclined section12and each declined/horizontal section14are extended along a V shape from above (symmetrically along a center line represented by A-A). The angle of the V shape represents the peel angle of the waves to be formed which can be used to create the various wave formations that break along the length of wave pool1.

Preferably extended directly in front of wave generators3is a first floor section8which is preferably substantially horizontally oriented, although not necessarily so, followed by each of the zones, beginning with Zone10. Zone10preferably comprises inclined section12a, which extends upward along a slope, such as 1:22, until it reaches the primary breaker line6, which is then followed by declined/horizontal section14a. The depths and slopes can be determined based on the desired type of wave to be generated within the zone. Thus, Zone10preferably begins along line4, which represents the start of inclined section12a, and extends through primary breaker line6, which is then followed by declined/horizontal section14a, which ends along line2. Primary breaker line6preferably extends at the breaker depth for the waves and represents where the waves will begin to break within Zone10. Again, the depth of primary breaker line6and slope of inclined section12a, and declined/horizontal section14a, are a function of the type of waves to be formed within that zone.

AlthoughFIG.1shows primary breaker line as being 2.4 meters deep, that is only for exemplary purposes and by no means intended to be limiting. Virtually any range of depths and slopes can be provided as long as the desired effects are produced. In each instance, the depths and slopes can be substantially the same or vary along the width/length of the various sections, depending on the desired effects.

Downstream from Zone10and adjacent to line2is preferably a wave reforming area16a, which is preferably extended substantially horizontally, although not necessarily so, such that the waves that break within Zone10can then reform and redevelop again as it travels toward Zone20. Note that the present invention preferably uses the same wave energy that was required to form the original wave within Zone10to reform the wave within Zone20.

Then, preferably extended downstream from reforming area16ais the next Zone20which begins at inclined section12b, along line21, and extends through secondary breaker line18, which is then followed by the declined/horizontal section14b, which ends along line22. Again, the depth of secondary breaker line18and slope of inclined section12b, and declined/horizontal section14b, are a function of the type of waves to be formed within that zone. Thus, Zone20preferably extends between line21, which represents the start of inclined section12b, and extends through secondary break line18, which is then followed by declined/horizontal section14b, which ends long line22. Secondary breaker line18preferably extends at the breaker depth for the waves to be produced and represents where the waves will begin to break within Zone20.

AlthoughFIG.1shows secondary breaker line18as being 1.2 meters deep, that is only for exemplary purposes and by no means intended to be limiting. Virtually any range of depths and slopes can be provided as long as the desired effects are produced. Note again that in each instance, the depths and slopes can be substantially the same or vary along the width/length of the various sections, depending on the desired effects.

Then, downstream from Zone20and adjacent line22is preferably another wave reforming area16b, which is preferably extended substantially horizontally, although not necessarily so, such that the waves that break within Zones10and20can then reform and re-break again as it travels toward Zone30. Again, the present invention preferably uses the same wave energy that formed the original wave within Zone10to reform the waves within Zones20and30. Then, preferably extended downstream from reforming area16bis the next Zone30which begins at inclined section12c, along line23, and extends through tertiary breaker line24, followed by shoreline11, which preferably has an inclined slope of about zero to 1:22, although not necessarily so. Again, the depth of tertiary breaker line24and slope of inclined section12c, are a function of the type of waves to be formed within that zone. In such case, unlike Zones10and20, this Zone30does not have a declined/horizontal section14, but instead, the slope of inclined section12cextends upward to form shoreline11, and continues upward along the same or similar slope, although not necessarily so, until it reaches the zero depth line13and forms beach15. This slope preferably extends all the way up from pool floor7and onto beach15, crossing what is designated as tertiary breaker line24, which preferably extends at the breaker depth for the waves and represents where the waves begin to break and spill onto beach15. Tertiary breaker line24also preferably extends along a V shape from above, and is followed by an area where smaller waves can spill onto beach15, which is ideal for those who simply want to wade in the pool. The slope of shoreline11preferably continues to extend upward beyond zero depth line13and toward the far sidewall or edge38, to form beach15, as shown along the right hand side ofFIG.1.

AlthoughFIG.1shows tertiary breaker line24as being 0.7 meters deep, that is only for exemplary purposes and by no means intended to be limiting. Virtually any range of depths and slopes can be provided as long as the desired effects are produced. Note that in each instance, the depths and slopes can be substantially the same or vary along the width/length of each of the sections, depending on the desired effects.

Based on the above, the arrangement of pool floor7is preferably as follows: Section8preferably extends from wave generators3to line4substantially horizontally. Zone10preferably extends from line4, and begins with inclined section12a, followed by primary breaker line6, and ending with declined/horizontal section14a, along line2. Zone20preferably extends from line21, and begins with inclined section12b, followed by secondary breaker line18, and ends with declined/horizontal section14b, along line22. Zone30preferably extends from line23, and begins with inclined section12c, followed by tertiary breaker line24, and extends upward along shoreline11, through zero depth line13, and onto beach15along shallow end9. Note that the depths shown inFIG.1are for exemplary purposes only—wave pool1can be designed with virtually any depth or slope that functions in the intended manner.

At the same time, the preferred configuration shown inFIG.1comprises breaker line depths that gradually decrease from deep end5to shallow end9, i.e., from Zone10to Zone30. The following is an example of a possible range of depths and slopes that can be provided across pool floor7: Floor section8can be 6 meters in depth, ending along line4, followed by Zone10which begins at inclined section12a, and extends up along a slope of 1:22, until it reaches primary breaker line6at 2.4 meters deep, followed by declined/horizontal section14a, which extends downward along a slope that is preferably greater than 1:22, until it reaches 4.0 meters in depth along line2. This is followed by reforming area16a, which is 4.0 meters deep, after which Zone20begins along line21, which is also 4.0 meters deep, with inclined section12bextending upward along a slope of 1:22, until it reaches secondary breaker line18at 1.2 meters deep, followed by declined/horizontal section14b, which extends downward along a slope that is preferably greater than 1:22, until it reaches 2.0 meters deep along line22. This is followed by reforming area16b, which is 2.0 meters deep, after which Zone30begins along line23, which is at 2.0 meters deep, with inclined section12cextending up along a slope of 1:22, which continues upward along the same slope, passing through tertiary breaker line24at 0.7 meters deep, wherein shoreline11extends upward along the same slope, through zero depth line13, and onto beach15. In such case, the breaker line depths gradually decrease from 2.4 meters along primary breaker line6, to 1.2 meters along secondary breaker line18, to 0.7 meters along tertiary breaker line24. Additional zones or fewer zones can be provided across wave pool1without departing from the present invention.

Wave generators3that are shown on the left hand side preferably comprise multiple caissons26that can be fired at once or intermittently in sequence, one after another, etc., to create waves that travel from deep end5to shallow end9. A single wave is preferably created that travels forward through the various zones and reforming areas, i.e., from Zone10, where the wave initially forms and breaks along primary breaker line6, and then, to Zone20, where the wave reforms and re-breaks along secondary breaker line18, and then, to Zone30, where the wave re-breaks again, along tertiary breaker line24, wherein the wave eventually breaks and spills onto beach15along shoreline11and runs up toward shallow end9.

FIG.1also shows two decks or bridges,28and32, extending width-wise across wave pool1, which are preferably positioned substantially over Zones20and30, respectively, although not necessarily so. Each zone is extended along a V shape from above, and both decks28,32are preferably extended along a similar V shape from above. That way, both decks28,32are positioned in a manner that provides the best viewing area for spectators standing on the decks, i.e., each deck is preferably extended over the base of an inclined section12, which is where the waves are regenerated and reformed, which allows the breaking portion of the waves to be in the open viewing areas, which can be extended on either side of decks28,32, which is where the surfers can perform surfing maneuvers on the waves. Decks28,32are also preferably positioned over the areas extending between the zones, such that any dividing means that are provided (as will be discussed) can be hidden from view. Note that the forward edge of each deck28,32is shown in dashed line and is intended to coincide with lines21and23, respectively, of Zones20and30. More than two or fewer than two decks can be provided.

Preferably, decks28,32can be extended across wave pool1to provide up-close spectator viewing of surfers within Zones10,20and30. Decks28,32are preferably extended above the body of water by a predetermined distance, such as 3.5 meters, such that they will not interfere with waves or surfers below, and are preferably supported on multiple columns45extending below and have steps36leading up to them from walkway34.

Walkway34is preferably provided around the perimeter of wave pool1which allows for additional spectator viewing. Walkway34can extend all the way around or partially around the sides and end of wave pool1. Walkways34can be extended above sidewalls17and/or along shallow end9adjacent to wave pool1and are preferably elevated above the surface level of the water. Preferably they are higher along deep end5than along shallow end9to accommodate the higher waves that are created at deep end5. Several steps38can be provided along the length of walkway34to change the elevation thereof along the sides. Also, walkways34are preferably connected to each deck,28,32, with steps36leading up to each deck.

Extended along sidewalls17(on the top and bottom) are preferably several exit areas40that allow surfers that have completed their surfing within Zones10and20to exit from wave pool1without having to surf or otherwise traverse from one zone to the next. This is necessary because sidewalls17extend up high and make it difficult if not impossible for surfers to climb out of wave pool1without using exit areas40or travelling all the way to shallow end9. This is also necessary because each zone is separated from each other by a dividing means, as will be discussed, which prevents surfers from crossing zones and reaching shallow end9. More detail regarding exit areas40will be provided in connection withFIGS.6a,6b,7a,7b,8aand8b.

FIG.2is a section view taken along B-B ofFIG.1width-wise across wave pool1within Zone10facing deck28. As can be seen, deck28has railings41and is extended up above the body of water46over wave pool1and is supported by multiple columns45, wherein a safety net49and attenuating means48(labeled Parasitic Surface Wave Energy Attenuating Material) are extended below (extending up from pool floor7to the static waterline50). As will be discussed in greater detail, below each deck28,32is preferably a mesh or grate-like divider or fence, such as safety net49and attenuating means48, shown in dashed lines, which help to separate the zones from each other, wherein preferably, the divider or fence allows water and wave energy to pass through while preventing surfers from crossing over from one zone to the next. This allows the same wave produced by wave generators3to travel across wave pool1and pass through the various zones to create various wave formations that break, reform into an unbroken swell, and then re-break in the various zones along the length of wave pool1, while at the same time, helping to keep the zones separated from one another for surfing purposes. Safety net49is preferably configured with dual nets on either side of support columns45to help protect surfers from colliding into the columns.FIG.2shows that pool floor7is level throughout its mid-section and even though the floor is shown sloping upward along the sides, the preferred floor has a constant depth across the entire width of wave pool1. Exit area40with ramp44having a grated sloped floor is shown on the left hand side.

FIGS.3aand3bare section views (placed end to end) taken along A-A ofFIG.1which together represent a single section taken along the length of wave pool1—FIG.3ashows the first half andFIG.3bshows the second half. As can be seen, wave generating caissons26and other wave generating equipment are provided on deep end5on the left hand side ofFIG.3a, and shoreline11and beach15with tertiary breaker line24are shown on shallow end9on the right hand side ofFIG.3b. One of the significant features shown in this figure relates to the slope of pool floor7and how it varies from one zone to the next. First, it can be seen inFIG.3athat pool floor7starts on the left hand side in section8where wave generators3are located, and after being level for a distance, pool floor7begins to slope upward until it reaches primary breaker line6, which in this embodiment is located at a depth of about 2.4 meters. The slope and breaker depth are predetermined such that the appropriate size waves can be created as the wave travels over primary breaker line6. The wave formations created within Zone10are preferably large breaking waves that are suitable for advanced level surfing which is facilitated by the greater depth of Zone10. Note that pool floor7then declines along declined/horizontal section14a, and levels out downstream along reforming area16a, i.e., to the right of primary breaker line6, which helps to allow the waves and wave energy to reform into an unbroken swell and continue travelling forward across wave pool1toward Zone20.

Note that deck28extends above the body of water and is supported by columns45, shown inFIG.2, wherein safety net49and attenuating means48(Parasitic Surface Wave Dampening Material) are extended below deck28. Note that attenuating means48preferably comprises a line or rope threaded through parasitic wave dampening members or coils or perforated disks that are spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other, wherein the line or rope is extended or pulled taught across the surface of the body of water. The structure of attenuating means48allows longer period surfing waves to travel through it without being affected, while helping to dampen the shorter period spurious waves on the surface of the body of water to reduce choppiness. Extended adjacent to attenuating means48but not necessarily connected to it is safety net49that helps to prevent surfers from crossing over from one zone to the next, but allows the water and wave energy to pass through relatively uninhibited. Preferably, there are two safety nets49and two attenuating means48running substantially parallel to each other below deck28with support columns45situated in between them.

Extending further to the right, in reference toFIG.3a, secondary breaker line18is shown positioned at the peak of inclined section12b, followed by another declined/horizontal section14b. Secondary breaker line18in this embodiment is preferably located at a depth of about 1.2 meters, although virtually any depth and slope can be used that achieves the desired results, and essentially forms the break area for Zone20. The slope and breaker depths are preferably predetermined such that the appropriate size wave and break can be created as the waves travel over secondary breaker line18, wherein Zone20is preferably deeper than Zone30. The wave formations created within Zone20are preferably moderately sized breaking waves that are suitable for intermediate level surfing which is facilitated by the depth of this area. Note that pool floor7then declines and levels out downstream, i.e., to the right of secondary breaker line18, which helps to allow the waves and wave energy to reform into an unbroken swell and continue travelling forward after secondary breaker line18and toward Zone30. In this embodiment, secondary breaker line18is preferably positioned at about half the depth of primary breaker line6, although not necessarily so.

As shown inFIG.3b, pool floor7preferably extends substantially horizontally along reforming area16bfor a predetermined distance until it begins to slope up again along inclined section12c, which is at or near where deck32is located. Deck32also extends above the body of water, and is supported by multiple columns45, and has a safety net49and attenuating means48(Parasitic Surface Wave Dampening Material) extended below it. Note that this attenuating means48also preferably comprises a line or rope threaded through parasitic wave dampening members or coils or perforated disks that are spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other, wherein the line or rope is extended or pulled taught across the surface of the body of water. Again, the structure of attenuating means48allows the longer period surfing waves to travel through it, while helping to dampen the shorter period spurious waves and their wave energy at the water surface to reduce choppiness. Extended adjacent to attenuating means48but not necessarily connected to it is safety net49that helps to prevent surfers from crossing over from one zone to the next, but allows the water and wave energy to pass through. Preferably, there are two safety nets49and two attenuating means48running substantially parallel to each other below deck32with support columns45situated in between them.

Finally, as shown inFIG.3b, pool floor7gradually slopes upward toward shoreline11and beach15where tertiary breaker line24, which extends at the breaker depth for the waves and represents where the waves begin to break onto beach15, is located. This area is designed for beginner surfers.

FIG.4ais a plan view of deck28andFIG.4bis an elevation view. As indicated before, the preferred shape of deck28is the shape of a V from above, which corresponds with the plan view shape of Zone20, with a safety net49and attenuating means48extended below, such that those standing on deck28can view the adjacent zones on either side, where the surfing will take place. At the same time, safety net49and attenuating means48are hidden from view. There are preferably two safety nets49and two attenuating means48below deck28, extended parallel to each other, wherein support columns45are preferably positioned inside safety nets49to prevent wayward surfers from running into columns45. Columns45are preferably foil shaped as shown to provide less wave resistance. There are preferably steps36leading up to deck28on either side along walkway34and each deck preferably has rails41.

FIG.5ais a plan view of deck32andFIG.5bis an elevation view. The preferred shape of deck32is the shape of a V from above, which corresponds with the plan view shape of Zone30, with a safety net49and attenuating means48extended below, such that those standing on deck32can view the adjacent zone, i.e., Zone20, on one side, and beach15on the other. At the same time, safety net49and attenuating means48are hidden from view. There are preferably two safety nets49and two attenuating means48below deck32, extended parallel to each other, wherein support columns45are preferably positioned inside safety nets49to prevent wayward surfers from running into columns45. Columns45are preferably foil shaped as shown to provide less wave resistance. There are preferably steps36leading up to deck32on either side along walkway34and each deck preferably has rails41. Note that more steps leading to deck32are required than those leading to deck28due to walkway34being lower in elevation at that part of wave pool1. Also note that the depth of pool floor7below deck32shown inFIG.5bis higher than it is under deck28as shown inFIG.4b, primarily because pool floor7slopes relatively upward toward beach15.

FIGS.6aand6bshow an embodiment of an exit area40in the shape of a key hole, including an inlet or opening42along sidewall17and an associated channel43with a sloped ramp44that enables surfers to walk up and onto adjacent walkway34. Preferably, these exit areas enable surfers to exit from wave pool1by swimming or otherwise traversing onto ramp44along the various zones, so that they don't have to travel all the way to shallow end9to exit, and so that they can walk up and onto walkway34directly from the associated zones. Channel43preferably has a sidewall17that separates it from the body of water as a means of preserving the movement of waves progressing through wave pool1with little or no effect. The relatively small size of inlet42helps preserve the formation and reformation of waves within wave pool1, by limiting interference that could otherwise result from waves flowing into inlet42. Channel43with ramp44is preferably extended in a direction opposite the forward movement of the waves to limit the effect of wave reflection and other motions that can occur in and around inlet42.

The size of inlet42is preferably kept to a minimum, to minimize its potential negative effect on the formation and progress of the waves. Accordingly, while surfers are allowed to exit, only a small amount of wave energy will be diverted from the waves travelling through wave pool1by inlet42. Sidewalls17in such case are preferably extended substantially vertically all the way from pool floor7to well above the peak of the waves, and extends substantially longitudinally downstream from deep end5to the point where inlets42are located, wherein sidewall17helps to keep channel43and ramp44separate from the body of water, thereby allowing the waves to travel as far as possible without being interfered with by inlet42.

To further minimize the potential negative effect of inlet42on the progress of the waves, including potential unwanted wave reflections and motions that can bounce around within wave pool1and inlet42forming spurious or parasitic waves that can negatively affect the desired smooth surface of larger surfing waves, the present invention preferably comprises multiple wave dampening features in and around exit areas40, including the following:

First, as shown inFIGS.6aand6b, multiple vertical bars54forming a grated wall are preferably extended upward from the floor around inlet42as well as along the inside wall56of channel43between ramp44and walkway34. Bars54are preferably padded for safety and spaced a predetermined distance apart from one another with a predetermined porosity to allow water to pass through, but at the same time, to help dampen the waves associated with the water movement entering into inlet42. Note that these types of padded bars54are shown inFIG.6a, i.e., in plan view, as a series of bars forming the shape of inlet42. InFIG.6b, an elevation view is provided showing these bars54extending vertically upward from the floor toward walkway34. These padded grate bars54can be constructed as described in U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/804,038, filed Mar. 23, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Second, within channel43between sidewall17and inner wall56(where the vertical padded grate bars54are located) ramp44is preferably formed using multiple grate bars58that form the sloped floor of ramp44. These grate bars58are preferably padded and spaced a predetermined distance apart from one another with a predetermined porosity to allow water to pass through, but at the same time, they can help dampen the wave energy associated with the water movement entering into inlet42and reflected therein, wherein, wave energy that reflects off of vertical padded grate bars54around inlet42and into channel43can be further dampened. Note that the preferred slope of ramp44is about 1:13, as shown inFIG.6b, although it can be greater or smaller.FIG.6ashows ramp44as a series of sloped grated bars58extending substantially parallel to each other and parallel to sidewall17and inner wall56, wherein in the preferred embodiment, grated bars58have a porosity of about 1% to 50% with a preferred porosity of 17% of the total surface area of ramp44, which helps provide wave dampening and attenuation aspects of the surface. The preferred porosity levels of bars58and other aspects of the invention for dampening purposes can be determined in conjunction with the principles described in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/592,464, filed Nov. 25, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference. The padded grate bars58can be constructed as described in U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/804,038, filed Mar. 23, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Third, a wave dampening chamber60is preferably located behind vertical padded grate bars54and underneath walkway34, wherein chamber60preferably consists of an internal sloped solid floor62that helps to further dampen any wave motions that might pass through vertical grate bars54and into chamber60. In addition, an ancillary wave dampening material consisting of a buoyant mesh or material consisting of vertical slats64anchored to sloped floor62can be provided within chamber60, to help further dampen wave motions that might enter chamber60. These wave dampening materials64are shown by wavy lines inFIG.6bextended inside chamber60. A cross section of chamber60and exit area40can be seen inFIG.2.

FIGS.7aand7bshow an alternate embodiment of exit area70which enables surfers to exit from wave pool1along the various zones. Preferably, this version extends inward within sidewall17and enables surfers to exit adjacent the breaker zones so that they don't have to travel all the way to shallow end9to exit, but unlike the previous version, this embodiment has an inlet72with a straight angled wall74that is a continuation of inner wall56adjacent channel43. Angled wall74is preferably constructed using vertical padded grate bars54that are preferably spaced apart and have a predetermined porosity that allow water to pass through, while at the same time, wave energy can be dampened and/or reflected back toward channel43along sidewall17. Preferably, this embodiment70enables surfers to swim or otherwise traverse onto ramp44so that they can walk up and onto walkway34. The width of inlet72is preferably kept to a minimum, to minimize the potential negative effect that inlet72can have on the waves. Thus, while surfers are allowed to exit, the goal is for only a small amount of wave energy to be diverted from the waves travelling through wave pool1and into inlet72.

When wave energy is reflected back by angled wall74to channel43, preferably, additional wave dampening occurs by virtue of channel43and sloped ramp44which is preferably formed using multiple padded grate bars58that are spaced a predetermined distance apart from one another to allow some water to pass through, while at the same time, help dampen wave energy associated with water movement entering into inlet72. Again, the slope of ramp44is preferably about 1:13, although it can be higher or lower, and preferably, the openings between grate bars58comprise about 17% of the total surface area of ramp44, although not necessarily so. Water bouncing back and forth within channel43by virtue of sidewall17on one side and inner wall56on the other can also help dampen the waves.

To further minimize the potential negative effect that inlet72can have on wave formation, this embodiment preferably has additional wave dampening features in and around exit area70, such as those provided in the previous embodiment, including the following: Multiple vertical padded grate bars54forming inner wall56can be extended upward from the floor around inlet72. These grate bars54are preferably spaced a predetermined distance apart from one another with a predetermined porosity to allow water to pass through, while at the same time, help dampen wave energy associated with water movement entering into inlet72. Furthermore, a wave dampening chamber78can be located behind angled wall74and inner wall56and underneath walkway34, wherein chamber78is similar in construction to chamber60, wherein chamber78preferably consists of a sloped solid floor62that helps to dampen water movement that passes through vertical grate bars54and into chamber78. In addition, an ancillary wave dampening material consisting of a buoyant mesh or vertical slats64anchored to the floor can be provided within chamber78to help further dampen wave motion that might enter into chamber78. These wave dampening materials64are shown by the wavy lines inFIG.7bextended inside chamber78.

FIGS.8aand8bshow an alternate embodiment of exit area80which enables surfers to exit from wave pool1along the various Zones. Preferably, this version has an inlet82that extends inward within sidewall17and enables surfers to exit adjacent the breaker zones, and like the previous version, this embodiment has a straight angled wall84, but in this case, wall84along with inner wall56are preferably solid and do not have vertical padded grate bars54extended thereon to allow water to pass. Accordingly, angled wall84simply reflects wave energy that enters into inlet80toward channel43, wherein additional wave dampening occurs by virtue of the walls extended on either side of channel43, and ramp44comprising multiple padded grate bars58extending upward along a slope. Again, the slope of ramp44is preferably about 1:13, and preferably, the openings comprise about 17% of the total surface area of ramp44, although not necessarily so. Preferably, this embodiment80enables surfers to swim or otherwise traverse onto ramp44so that they can walk up and onto walkway34. The width of inlet80is preferably kept to a minimum, to minimize the potential negative effect inlet80can have on the waves. Thus, while surfers are allowed to exit, only a small amount of wave energy will be diverted from the waves travelling through wave pool1.

FIG.9is a plan view of an alternate wave pool embodiment100. Unlike the embodiment ofFIG.1, in this embodiment, the side walls117on either side (shown at the top and bottom of the drawing) extend substantially parallel to each other such that the waves progress forward without widening as they travel from wave generators103toward beach115, from deep end105to shallow end109. This embodiment also has only two wave breaking zones, i.e., Zones110and120, and only one attenuating barrier between them, and no viewing deck across the width of wave pool100, although a viewing deck134is preferably provided around the perimeter of wave pool100. It preferably comprises a series of wave generators103with generating caissons126and a pool floor107that extends away from wave generators103toward shallow end109where shoreline111and beach115are located (shown in relation to the minimum still water line113). Note that the location of Beginner Surf Area should be to the right of secondary breaker line118—this is an error in the drawing.

Preferably extended across pool floor107are multiple wave-breaking zones, i.e., such as Zones110and120, extended back to back, one after the other, which allow different wave formations with different wave characteristics to be created within each zone. As shown inFIG.9, pool floor107preferably begins with a substantially level area108near wave generators103, which is followed by Zone110, which starts along line104, and extends upward along inclined section112a, along a slope of between about 1:20, although this can be higher or lower, toward the primary breaker line106, which preferably extends at the breaker depth for the waves and represents where the waves begin to break. Inclined section112ais then followed by a declined/horizontal section114, which is preferably extended substantially horizontally or along a downward slope that is preferably greater than 1:22, which ends along line102. Thus, Zone110is preferably configured in the manner shown inFIG.9wherein it begins along line104, and extends through inclined section112a, goes through primary breaker line106, and declined/horizontal section114a, and ends along line102, wherein Zone110is extended along a V shape from above (symmetrically along a center line represented by A-A).

AlthoughFIG.9shows line104as being 2.7 meters deep, primary breaker line as being 0.91 meters in depth, and line102as being 1.2 meters deep, those depths are only for exemplary purposes and by no means intended to be limiting. Virtually any range of depths and slopes can be provided as long as the desired effects are produced. In each instance, the depths and slopes can be substantially the same or vary along the width/length of each of the sections, depending on the desired effects.

Then, following line102, moving from left to right, a wave reforming area116is preferably provided which is a relatively deep area (also labeled as Intermediate/Advanced Surf Area) which is where the largest waves break, and which allows the waves that pass through Zone110to regenerate and reform, such that they can travel toward Zone120, where the waves can reform and re-break again. Note that the area designated as Intermediate/Advanced Surf Area is generally located closer to line102, whereas, deep wave reforming area116is generally located closer to line121. These areas are also shown in the elevation view ofFIG.10.

Then, preferably extended downstream from wave reforming area116is the next Zone120which begins along line121and extends upward along inclined section112b, and through secondary breaker line118, which preferably extends at the breaker depth for the waves and represents where the waves begin to break toward beach115. Then, secondary breaker line118is followed by shoreline111, which preferably has an inclined slope of about zero to 1:22, although not necessarily so. Unlike Zone110, this Zone130does not have a declined/horizontal section114, but instead, the slope of inclined section112bpreferably extends upward to form shoreline111, and continues upward along the same or similar slope, although not necessarily so, until it reaches the minimum still water line113and forms beach115. This slope preferably extends all the way up from line121and onto beach115, crossing secondary breaker line118, which is where the waves begin to break and spill onto beach115. Secondary breaker line118also preferably extends along a V shape from above, and is followed by an area where smaller waves can spill onto beach115, which is ideal for those who simply want to wade in the pool. The slope of shoreline111preferably continues to extend upward beyond line113and toward the far sidewall or edge138.

AlthoughFIG.9shows line121being 1.2 meters deep, and secondary breaker line118as being 0.6 meters deep, those depths are only for exemplary purposes and by no means intended to be limiting. Virtually any range of depths and slopes can be provided as long as the desired effects are produced. Note again that in each instance, the depths and slopes can be substantially the same or vary along the width/length, depending on the desired effects.

Based on the above, the arrangement of pool floor107is preferably as follows: Section108extends substantially horizontally from wave generators103to line104. Zone110preferably extends from line104, and up along inclined section112a, through primary breaker line106, and down declined/horizontal section114, and ends along line102, wherein this zone extends in the shape of a V from above. Then, after passing through wave reforming area116, which represents the Intermediate/Advanced Surf Area, Zone120preferably begins along line121, and extends upward along inclined section112b, and continues upward through secondary breaker line118, and onto shoreline111and beach115. Note that the depths shown inFIG.9are for exemplary purposes only and are by no means intended to be limiting—wave pool100can be designed with virtually any depth or slope that functions in the intended manner.

The preferred configuration shown inFIGS.9and10comprises breaker line depths that gradually decrease from deep end105to shallow end109, i.e., from Zone110to Zone120. The following is an example of one possible range of depths and slopes that can be provided across pool floor107: Floor section108can be 2.7 meters deep, ending along line104, followed by Zone110which begins at inclined section112a, and extends up along a slope of 1:22, until it reaches primary breaker line106at 0.91 meters deep, followed by declined/horizontal section114, which extends downward along a slope that is greater than 1:22, until it reaches 1.2 meters deep along line102. This is followed by wave reforming area116, which is 1.2 meters deep, after which Zone120begins along line121, at 1.2 meters deep, with inclined section112bextending upward along a slope of 1:22, until it reaches secondary breaker line118at 0.6 meters deep, which then continues upward along the same slope, wherein shoreline111extends upward through minimum still water line113, and onto beach115. In such case, the breaker line depths preferably gradually decrease from 0.91 meters deep along primary breaker line106, to 0.6 meters deep along secondary breaker line118, which again are for exemplary purposes only. Additional zones or fewer zones can be provided across wave pool100without departing from the present invention.

As shown inFIG.9, between Zones110and120is preferably a parasitic surface wave energy attenuating barrier122that includes a safety net149and attenuating means148, as discussed in connection with the previous embodiment, which in this embodiment, is in the shape of a curve from above as shown. Barrier122preferably helps to separate Zone110from Zone120, wherein preferably, barrier122allows water and wave energy to pass through while preventing surfers from crossing over from one zone to the next. This allows the same wave produced by wave generator103to travel across wave pool100and pass through multiple zones to create various wave formations that break, reform, and then re-break along the length of wave pool100, using the same wave energy. Preferably, as shown inFIG.11, barrier122comprises safety net149and attenuating means148(Parasitic Surface Wave Dampening Material) similar to those discussed in connection with the previous embodiment, wherein attenuating means148preferably comprises a line or rope with multiple members or coils or perforated disks attached to it that are spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other, wherein the line or rope is extended across the surface of the body of water. The structure of attenuating means148allows longer period surfing waves to travel through it without being affected, while helping to dampen shorter period parasitic waves at the surface to reduce choppiness. Extended below attenuating means149but not necessarily connected to it is safety net148that helps to prevent surfers from crossing over from one zone to the next, but allows water and wave energy to pass through.FIG.11also shows body of water146and static water line150.

On the right side of barrier122is Zone120which is preferably extended along inclined section112band extends up through secondary breaker line118, which is also in the shape of a V from above. The beach-head that extends along shallow end109forms shoreline111and beach115, wherein the slope extends all the way up from pool floor107, through minimum still water line113along the right hand side. Note that all the depths mentioned, including 1.2 meters for the beginning of inclined section112band 0.6 meters for secondary breaker line118, are exemplary only and are by no means intended to be limiting—wave pool100can be designed with virtually any depth and slope that functions in the intended manner. The preferred configuration comprises breaker lines with depths that gradually decrease from Zone110to Zone120, i.e., from 1.2 meters to 0.6 meters.

A walkway134is preferably provided around the perimeter of wave pool100which allows for spectator viewing. This can extend all the way around for full viewing or partially around the sides and end of wave pool100. Walkway134is preferably elevated above the surface level of the body of water, and is preferably higher on the deep end105than on the shallow end109, to accommodate the higher wave formations that are created by wave generators103. Note that several steps can be provided along the length of walkway134to change the elevation thereof.

As can be seen along walkways134and sidewalls117, there are preferably several exit areas140(labeled as Exit Channel in the drawing) that allow surfers within wave pool100to exit without having to surf or traverse all the way to shallow end109. Each exit area140preferably comprises an inlet or opening142in sidewalls117that allow surfers within the body of water to exit, wherein there is a channel143with a sloped ramp144that enables surfers to walk up and out onto walkway134, similar to channel43and ramp44of the previous embodiments. Channel143preferably has a sidewall that separates it from the body of water to preserve the movement of the waves progressing through wave pool100. Channel143with ramp144is preferably extended in a direction opposite the forward movement of the waves and has walls on either side, i.e., sidewall117on one side and inner wall156on the other, and can be provided with a plurality of padded grate bars158extending along the slope of ramp144, so as to limit the effect of spurious wave reflections and motions that can occur in and around inlet142. Other wave dampening features discussed previously in connection with exit areas40,70and80, can be provided in connection with exit area140.

FIG.12shows another embodiment of a wave pool200similar to the one shown inFIG.9, in that it has a similar configuration, with similar wave generators103, similar wave breaking Zones110and120, similar sidewalls117, similar inclined sections112aand112b, similar declined/horizontal section114, similar wave reforming area116, similar primary and secondary breaker lines106and118, respectively, and similar walkway134, etc., but this embodiment200has an alternate exit area202consisting of an opening203in sidewall117with a secondary pool204associated therewith. Rather than having an inlet with a channel and ramp, as was the case in the previous embodiments, this exit area202preferably has an associated pool204extended from opening203, which preferably has a sloped floor205and is large enough to allow the wave energy and wave motions that enter into opening203and into pool204to be dispersed and therefore dampened. This way, unwanted secondary waves and parasitic surface wave energy that can enter into opening203from wave pool200, which can otherwise be reflected back into wave pool200, are reduced. Although this embodiment can have other wave dampening features as discussed previously, the shape of secondary pool204and sloped floor205preferably serve to dampen the waves and motions, such that those other features are unnecessary. This embodiment may or may not have a divider extending between Zones110and120. Although exit area202is shown on embodiment200, it can also be used in conjunction with the embodiment 1 ofFIG.1.

FIGS.13aand13bare details of wave pool200, whereinFIG.13ais an elevation view taken along section A-A ofFIG.12andFIG.13bis an elevation view taken along section B-B ofFIG.12. These views are similar toFIGS.10and11, respectively. For example,FIG.13ashows deep end105having wave generating caissons126and horizontal section108extending therefrom, followed from left to right by inclined section112a, primary breaker line106, and declined/horizontal section114, which collectively form Zone110, which is then followed by deep wave reforming area116, inclined section112b, and secondary breaker line118, which collectively form Zone120, which is followed by shoreline111and beach115.FIG.13bshows pool floor107with body of water146and static water line150, along with attenuating material148and safety net149, which are optional, except that in this embodiment, exit area202preferably has a secondary pool204associated therewith, wherein each comprises an opening203, a sloped floor205, and a perimeter210that defines pool204.

FIG.14shows another embodiment of a wave pool300similar to the one shown inFIG.9, in that it has a similar configuration, with similar wave generators103, similar wave breaking Zones110and120, similar sidewalls117, similar inclined sections112aand112b, similar declined/horizontal section114, similar wave reforming area116, similar primary and secondary breaker lines106and118, respectively, and similar walkway134, etc., but this embodiment300has an alternate exit area302consisting of a lowered wall section304extended along sidewall117, with an exit scallop308thereon, wherein rather than having an opening that extends the full height of sidewall117, exit area302preferably only extends up from a predetermined height, which in the preferred embodiment is above the height of static water line150. That way, when a wave passes by, most of its energy will be retained by sidewall117, and the wave will not be greatly affected by the open area formed by lowered wall section304. But because lowered wall section304is lower than the rest of sidewall117, when a wave does pass by, surfers can simply float on top of the wave and easily maneuver to get out. They can then maneuver onto scallop308, which is preferably a relatively flat cushioned surface, and exit. In this respect, the height of lowered wall section304is preferably predetermined such that it retains most of the wave energy of the passing waves, but is low enough that it enables surfers to easily maneuver and exit from wave pool300when a wave passes by. Scallop308is preferably flat and cushioned to provide safety to surfers who are exiting from wave pool300. Exit stairs306can be provided from exit area302leading to walkway134. This embodiment may or may not have a divider extending between Zones110and120. Although exit area302is shown on embodiment300, it can also be used in conjunction with embodiment 1 ofFIG.1.

FIGS.15aand15bare details of embodiment300shown inFIG.14, whereinFIG.15ais an elevation view taken along section A-A ofFIG.14, andFIG.15bis an elevation view taken along section B-B ofFIG.14. These views are similar toFIGS.10and11, respectively. For example,FIG.15ashows deep end105having wave generating caissons126and horizontal section108extending therefrom, followed from left to right by inclined section112a, primary breaker line106, and declined/horizontal section114, which collectively form Zone110, which is then followed by deep wave reforming area116, inclined section112b, and secondary breaker line118, which collectively form Zone120, which is then followed by shoreline111and beach115. However,FIG.15ashows lowered wall section302extended along a top section of sidewall117, which can be used by surfers to exit from wave pool300along the appropriate zone, such as when a wave passes by.FIG.15bshows pool floor107with body of water146and static water line150, along with attenuating material148and safety net149, which are optional, but with exit area302comprising a lowered wall section304extended along sidewall117which allows a surfer to exit as a wave passes by and elevates the surfer high enough to exit through lowered wall section304. Then, because exit area302preferably has an associated scallop308with a cushioned surface thereon, and stairs306, the surfer can exit through exit area302and climb onto stairs306and onto walkway134.

Again, rather than having an opening that extends the full height of sidewall117, exit area302preferably only extends up from a predetermined height, which in the preferred embodiment is about the height of static water line150, such that, when a wave passes by, most of its energy will be retained by sidewall117, and the wave will not be greatly affected by the open area formed by lowered wall section304, but at the same time, because lowered wall section304is lower than the rest of sidewall117, when a wave does pass by, surfers can simply float on top of the wave and easily maneuver to get out.