Moving reef wave generator

Abstract

The invention relates to a wave generating system comprising a wave generator that travels along the surface of a body of water, and preferably in the middle thereof, wherein the wave generator can create both primary and secondary waves that travel toward the shore. The primary waves are intended to allow surfing maneuvers to be performed in a relatively deep water environment. In the preferred embodiment, the body of water has opposing undulating shorelines upon which the secondary waves can break, wherein by modifying the shoreline's slope and curvature, and providing undulating peninsulas and cove areas, various multiple wave formations and effects can be created.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 319,595, filed on Dec. 16, 2002, and of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 339,805, filed on Dec. 17, 2001.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a wave generating system, and in particular, to a wave generating system adapted to travel within a body of water having an extended shore with wave enhancing features thereon. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Water theme parks have become popular in recent years. Water theme parks generally consist of water rides and often provide other water related activities. [0004] An attraction that has become popular at many water theme parks throughout the country is the wave pool. Wave pools are typically man-made bodies of water wherein a wave generator is located at one end of the pool, and a simulated beach is located at the other end, wherein waves are created by the wave generator that travel acros...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The present invention relates to a wave generating system that increases the amount of throughput and usable space provided by a wave pool, and produces various wave formations on which water skimming and surfing maneuvers can safely be performed.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention involves providing a wave generator located within the middle of the wave pool which travels from one end of the pool to the other along a submerged track. The track is preferably located on the pool floor, and enables the wave generator to slide / travel thereon, in a manner that allows the wave generator to travel along the surface of the body of water, wherein waves that travel outwardly from the wave generator toward the shoreline can be created.

[0011] In one embodiment, the wave generator can create both primary and secondary waves, which can be separate waves, or phases of the same wave, as will be discussed, that expand outward toward opposite sides of the shore. Primary waves are formed in close proximity to the wave generator (to enable surfing maneuvers to be performed in a relatively deep water environment), and secondary waves are created by the combination of the effect of the primary waves, plus the displacement of water caused by the generator as it travels through water, wherein enhanced secondary waves can travel outward, i.e., in opposite directions, toward the shore.

Problems solved by technology

While many different methods have been attempted, one of the shortcomings of wave pools is that they typically create waves by moving water back and forth, and therefore, can only create a single wave at a time.

In such circumstances, particularly when wave pools are crowded, there is often little space or opportunity for participants to ride the waves.

In such case, people who want to perform water skimming maneuvers in the shallow areas near the beach often have to share the same space with those who simply want to wade, such as children and the elderly, which can disadvantageously increase the risk of accident and create an overcrowded situation within the pool.

The unavailability of usable space within the wave pool also makes it difficult to create surfable quality waves and for participants to take advantage of waves that are produced.

Also, even if surfable quality waves can be created, competition for space within the pool can make it difficult for participants to perform surfing and skimming maneuvers on the waves that are created.

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