Water feature for wave pools

Abstract

The present invention relates to wave pools and diversion channels that capture high kinetic energy portions of a wave generated within the wave pool, and redirects the captured wave portions to the vicinity of wave formation, preferably timed so as reinforce a subsequently generated wave. The high kinetic energy within the diversion channel creates an additional feature in the form of an action river for riders of a wave pool to enjoy. At the same time, capturing of portions of the wave reduces the backwash of the wave and stabilizes the level of water within the wave pool, especially for embodiments with wave generators and pools capable of high volume waves. Riders may enter the diversion channel and ride from the distal, beach end of the wave pool to the proximatal, wave generating end.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 680,365, filed May 12, 2005.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to water rides or activities. More particularly, the present invention is a recreational water feature integrated into a pool having artificially generated waves and / or swells. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Millions of individuals visit water parks every year to enjoy, among other attractions, various types of swimming pools. In particular, wave pools are generally known in the field as providing recreation involving artificially generated waves. The waves are traditionally formed by devices such as oscillating pressure caissons, periodic displacement devices, or devices for release of large volumes of water into the pool. [0004] A new form of wave generation technology was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,393 to Carnahan et al., which is hereby incorporated by...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention is directed to providing a means of reducing backflow caused by the breaking of high volume, generated waves within a wave pool. Further, the present invention provides high energy circulating currents for the benefit of swimmers and surfers.

[0013] In one embodiment, an integrated diversion channel may be formed by islands situated within the wave pool that function in cooperation with a contoured bottom of the pool. The contoured bottom forms a reef that breaks the wave in a controlled manner within a reservoir bounded on one end with a dissipative beach. The contours forming the reservoir direct backflow water from the breaking waves into the diversion channel. The islands are configured such that the channels open to the generated wave, so that a significant, high energy portion of the wave is captured by the channel. The combined effect of the input of backflow water from the reservoir and the capture of high energy waves forms a beneficial, high flow, action river current along the channel. The current within this diversion channel feeds back into the wave generation process, stabilizing currents and reducing back flow or rip currents.

Problems solved by technology

Because of the nature of compressed gas, wave cannons may transfer large amounts of energy while providing unobtrusive infrastructure.

In contrast, conventional wave generating technologies have been somewhat limited in the energy that can be imparted to the pool, based on the practical limits of size, mechanics, infrastructure, and cost.

Thus, most wave pools are limited in size, with the larger wave pools being in the form of oversized swimming pools.

A problem present in all conventional wave pools is the backwash caused by breaking waves.

However, the backwash of larger capacity waves may pose greater difficulties.

The approach of a large capacity wave may then pose a safety hazard due to flotsam or individuals in the path of surfers or other individuals riding the wave.

However, it is impractical for wave pools having the large volume waves that are capable of being produced by the wave cannon.

In addition, the slow current of a lazy river is inconsistent with the highly active sport of surfing.

Thus, conventional approaches to the reduction of wave pool backwash are not well suited to high capacity wave pools.

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