Wave generating watercraft

Abstract

A watercraft is adapted to mount and support one or more wave cannons for the generation of high volume waves in a body of water, including natural beach environments lacking reliable surf. A wave cannon is an elongated tubular chamber having a closed rear end and an open front end, an anchor, a supply of compressed air, and a control valve for admitting compressed air into the elongated chamber. When mounted on a watercraft, only the interior of the chamber is exposed to corrosive water, reducing maintenance. The simple mechanics of the wave cannon further reduce expense. The watercraft may be positioned and moored at a desired offshore or lakeshore location with the open end of the chamber oriented to a shoreline. When compressed gas is discharged through the chamber, a large volume wave is generated that breaks on the shoreline.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 681,502, filed May 16, 2005.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to generation of waves. More particularly, the present invention is a mobile embodiment of a wave generator for use in natural environments. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Sports or other entertainment events that rely on waves or surf are traditionally limited to times or locations that have amenable conditions. In some locations, the surf is routine and predictable, while in others the quality of the surf may vary significantly. Further, there are many areas amendable to surf or wave sports where there may be little or no wave or surf action, as with certain east coast US or lakeside beaches. [0004] The state of California hosts some of the more predictable surfing beaches in the continental United States. The beaches of Florida are somewhat unpredictable, and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] In the open ocean, surface waves are primarily created by winds that cause variations in surface pressure. Wind duration, strength, and surface coverage area contribute to the resulting, somewhat sinusoidal wave. As a wave reaches a point where the water depth is less than half of the wavelength, then friction from the bottom begins to affect the wave. The wave energy acts to preserve its original form, resulting in a taller wave crest. Friction also slows the progression of the wave in a manner that affects lower portions of the wave more than upper portions, distorting the sinusoidal pattern. When the depth becomes sufficiently shallow, then the upper crest peaks and proceeds forward, while the lower portion slows to such an extent that the wave breaks. This wave formation and breaking action is attractive and valuable to surf sports.

[0014] Accordingly, the present invention is a watercraft adapted to support one or more wave cannons for the generation of high volume waves in bodies of water, including artificial surf in natural beach environments. A mobile, waterborne wave canon enables locating a wave generator at a desired time and place. When not in use, the present invention may be relocated or berthed for storage or maintenance. This feature is desirable because it accommodates the need to supplement natural surf conditions on an as-needed basis, as identified above. Compressed air may be stored or generated on the vessel. The simple design of the wave cannon, which exposes only the interior of the elongated chamber or discharge tube to the water, overcomes many challenges presented by conventional solutions.

Problems solved by technology

Sports or other entertainment events that rely on waves or surf are traditionally limited to times or locations that have amenable conditions.

This approach requires a vessel or a tow to be of substantial displacement in order to generate a suitable wave for surfing; in addition, it may involve considerable energy consumption and a degree of unpredictability in wake generation.

In one example, surfers near Galveston, Tex. take advantage of shipping traffic and surf the wakes of underway supertankers; of course, this is impractical for the purposes described herein.

While potentially suitable for pools or otherwise placid lakes, this somewhat complicated arrangement is impractical for many natural environments, particularly natural ocean beaches where marine items might obstruct the track.

Of course, such a boat would require significant maneuvering space for clear navigation and hazard avoidance, and would be difficult to use to generate waves on a beach.

Although this approach may be used in a natural environment, its extensive mechanical systems would be expensive and subject to exposure to corrosive water.

Further, elevating liquids in an open tank on a vessel will raise the center of gravity, and increase the moment with the center of buoyancy, affecting the stability characteristics of the vessel.

The partially filled tank, with its free surface and open top can be further destabilizing.

Of course, this approach is somewhat limited and does not incorporate the natural environment into the artificial waves.

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