USRE49215E1 - Wave generating apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A wave forming apparatus has a channel for containing a flow of water with an inlet end connected to a water supply, a floor, and spaced side walls, a first bed form or weir at the inlet end of the channel, and a second bed form in the channel downstream of the first bed form. Also disclosed is a wave forming apparatus has a channel for containing a flow of water, the channel having an inlet end connected to a water supply for supplying a flowing stream of water, a floor, and spaced side walls, and at least one oblique foil member adjustably mounted in the floor of the channel. The foils, weirs or bed form, form a standing wave.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/943,876, filed Nov. 10, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/700,042, filed Feb. 4, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,523,484, issued Sep. 3, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/550,239, filed Oct. 17, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,571, issued Feb. 9, 2010, and which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/356,666, filed Jan. 21, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,722,291, issued May 25, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/022,680, filed Jan. 22, 2008. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/943,876, filed Nov. 10, 2010, is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/700,036, filed on Feb. 4, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,303,213, issued Nov. 6, 2012, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/550,239, filed Oct. 17, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,571, issued Feb. 9, 2010.

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/603,223, filed Sep. 4, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/411,520, filed Mar. 3, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,434,966, issued May 7, 2013.

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/740,419, filed Jan. 14, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/721,304, filed Nov. 1, 2012.

Each of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety including all tables, figures, and claims.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a wave forming apparatus and is partially concerned with water rides of the type provided in water-based amusement parks, particularly a wave forming apparatus and method for forming surfable waves, or a water toy.

BACKGROUND

Naturally occurring waves occur in the ocean and also in rivers. These waves are of various types, such as moving waves which may be of various shapes, including tubular and other breaking waves. A relatively rare type of wave in nature is the standing wave, which has a steep, unbroken and stable wave face. This type of wave can have enough power and velocity to support surfing on the wave face without causing the wave to decay rapidly. This wave, if forced to decay, for example by overly obstructing the flow, reforms naturally when the obstructions are removed. Natural standing waves have been shown to occur where water flows across natural river bed formations, known as anti-dunes. Upon flow over anti-dunes, the water flow rises into a natural standing wave. Natural standing waves occur in the Waimea Bay river mouth of the Waimea River on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, on the Snake River in Wyoming, and several other places.

Surfers are constantly searching for good surfing waves, such as tubular breaking waves and standing waves. There are only a few locations in the world where such waves are formed naturally on a consistent basis. Thus, there have been many attempts in the past to create artificial waves of various types for surfing in controlled environments such as water parks. In some cases, a sheet flow of water is directed over an inclined surface of the desired wave shape. Therefore, rather than creating a stand-alone wave in the water, the inclined surface defines the wave shape and the rider surfs on a thin sheet of water flowing over the surface. This type of apparatus is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,564,859 and 6,132,317 of Lochtefeld. In some cases, the inclined surface is shaped to cause a tubular form wave. Sheet flow wave simulating devices have some disadvantages. For example, since these systems create a fast moving, thin sheet of water, they produce a different surfing experience to a real standing wave.

In other prior art wave forming devices, a wave is actually simulated in the water itself, rather than being defined by a surface over which a thin sheet of water flows. U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,547 of Hill describes a wave forming apparatus which attempts to simulate natural antidune formations in order to create waves. A water-shaping airfoil is disposed within a flume containing a flow of water, and a wave-forming ramp is positioned downstream of the airfoil structure. In other prior art arrangements, such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,913,332 of Forsman, a wave generator is driven around a circular body of water in order to create waves. This arrangement is also complex and will produce traveling waves, not standing waves.

Apparatus for forming deep water standing waves is described in my prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,629,803 and 6,932,541. This apparatus creates waves that simulate natural standing waves. Use of an oblique bed form extending across the width of the channel or two intersecting water flows to create a barreling wave is described in these patents.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a wave forming apparatus for producing a standing wave is disclosed that contains a passageway, a channel, a weir that extends from a peak downwardly into the channel, a reservoir having a throat section adapted to guide water over the peak of the weir and into the channel, at least one pump adapted to convey water from the passageway to the reservoir, and at least one foil in the channel at a distance downstream from the weir. The channel maybe positioned above the passageway, and the pump, during operation, produces a liquid level in the channel and water flowing down the weir that combine to form the standing wave at or adjacent to the at least one adjustable foil.

According to another aspect, a artificial surfing facility for producing a standing wave is disclosed that contains a main pool, a wave pool, a inclined ramp, a lower end of which discharges into the wave pool, a flow section connected at an outlet end thereof to an upper end of the ramp, at least one pump connected to an inlet end of the flow section by means of which water is conveyed from the main pool to the flow section, and at least one adjustable guide device in the wave pool at a distance downstream from the lower end of the ramp. The wave pool may be positioned above the main pool, and the pump unit, during operation, produces a liquid level in the wave pool sufficient to produce a defined resistance to water flowing down the ramp which will enable formation of the standing wave at the at least one adjustable guide device.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, may be gleaned in part by study of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a wave forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines2-2 ofFIG. 1, showing the basic water flow;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view similar toFIG. 2, showing a modified apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view similar toFIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating another embodiment of the wave forming apparatus;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken on lines5-5 ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view similar toFIG. 2 illustrating another embodiment of a wave forming apparatus, with flow control mechanisms;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a single bed form forming part of a modified wave forming apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating another modified bed form with vent height adjustability;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the bed form ofFIG. 8, illustrating the height adjusters across the width of the vent;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view similar toFIG. 6, illustrating another embodiment of the wave forming apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a view similar toFIG. 10 illustrating another embodiment of the wave forming apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a view similar toFIGS. 10 and 11, illustrating another modified embodiment of the wave forming apparatus;

FIG. 13 is a view similar toFIG. 7, illustrating an alternative flow control;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view on the lines14-14 ofFIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a wave forming apparatus according to another embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view on lines16-16 ofFIG. 15, illustrating the water re-circulation path;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view similar toFIG. 5, but on a reduced scale, illustrating alternative side portions at opposite sides of the wave forming channel;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a wave forming apparatus according to another embodiment, for forming a standing, curling wave;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view on the line19-19 ofFIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of an alternative wave forming apparatus for forming a standing, curling wave;

FIG. 21 is a sectional view on the line21-21 ofFIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view on the line22-22 ofFIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of a modified wave forming apparatus which is self-circulating;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of a wave forming apparatus according to another embodiment, in which the primary flume is curved to create a standing, curling wave;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view on the line25-25 ofFIG. 24, illustrating the exit area of the apparatus ofFIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a river type wave forming apparatus according to another embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a sectional view on the line27-27 ofFIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a sectional view illustrating a modified wave forming apparatus with a downwardly inclined bed;

FIG. 29 is a schematic side elevational view of a bed form with a first tail length, as well as the standing wave formed after the bed form;

FIG. 30 is a side elevational view similar toFIG. 29, illustrating an extended tail to provide more room for surfboards to maneuver in front of the face of the wave;

FIG. 31 is an expanded partial side elevational view illustrating a spoiler formed near the end of the tail ofFIG. 30;

FIGS. 32A to 32D are partial side elevational views similar toFIG. 31 illustrating alternative spoiler shapes;

FIG. 34 is a cross-section on the lines34-34 ofFIG. 33;

FIG. 33 is a schematic top plan view of the tail ofFIG. 31, illustrating an optional curved spoiler;

FIG. 35 is a cross-section on the lines35-35 ofFIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is a cross-section on the lines36-36 ofFIG. 33;

FIG. 37 is a side view of an adjustable spoiler;

FIG. 38 is a top plan view of the tail of a bed form illustrating a modified, segmented spoiler;

FIG. 39 is a top plan view illustrating a modified spoiler arrangement with two curved segments for splitting the flow;

FIG. 40 is a top plan view of a modified wave forming apparatus incorporating the extended tail and spoiler arrangement ofFIGS. 30 and 31 at the end of each bed form;

FIG. 41 is a sectional view taken along lines41-41 ofFIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is an enlargement of the circled region ofFIG. 41, illustrating the transition or bridge between the spoiler and the leading edge of the next wave form;

FIG. 43 is a sectional view similar toFIG. 41 illustrating the waves formed by the apparatus;

FIG. 44A is a sectional view similar toFIG. 43 illustrating one type of wave formed by the apparatus at a first flow rate;

FIG. 44B is a sectional view similar toFIG. 44A illustrating another type of wave formed at a lower flow rate;

FIG. 45A is a sectional view of a wave forming apparatus similar to that ofFIGS. 39 to 44 but with no spoiler, illustrating a first type of wave formed at a first flow rate; and

FIG. 45B is a sectional view of the apparatus ofFIG. 45A illustrating a second type of wave formed at a second, lower flow rate.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a wave forming apparatus having a double barreling wave forming foil;

FIG. 47 is a top plan view, partly cut away, of the barreling wave forming foil ofFIG. 46;

FIG. 48A is a cross sectional view on the lines48-48 ofFIG. 47, showing the leading face of the foil at a first pitch angle;

FIG. 48B is a cross sectional view similar toFIG. 48A, but showing the leading face of the foil at an adjusted, different pitch angle;

FIG. 49 is a cross sectional view similar toFIG. 48A but showing an alternative adjustment mechanism allowing the foil to be retracted substantially flush with the floor;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of part of the channel of a wave forming apparatus similar toFIG. 46 but with a single barreling wave forming foil;

FIG. 51 is a top plan view of the apparatus ofFIG. 50 which has a single barreling wave forming foil in one half of the channel;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a wave forming apparatus of another embodiment having two separate barreling wave forming foils mounted in the channel;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a wave forming apparatus of another embodiment having a single barreling wave forming foil mounted across a larger portion of the width of the channel, schematically illustrating formation of a barreling wave;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of part of the channel inFIG. 53, taken from a different direction, showing the front face of the foil at a first pitch angle and schematically illustrating the location of the barreling wave; and

FIG. 55 is a view similar toFIG. 54 showing the front face of the foil at a different pitch angle and schematically illustrating the movement of the barreling wave when the foil angle is changed between the orientation ofFIG. 54 and that ofFIG. 55.

FIG. 56 is a top plan view of a wave forming apparatus having a barreling wave forming foil;

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view on the lines57-57 ofFIG. 56;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of the wave forming foil in the direction of arrows58-58 ofFIG. 56;

FIG. 59 is a front elevation view of the foil in the channel in the direction of arrows59-59 ofFIG. 56;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a wave forming apparatus of another embodiment having a double barreling wave forming foil for forming two barrel or tubing waves;

FIG. 61 is a perspective view similar toFIG. 60 illustrating another embodiment in which two separate barreling wave forming foils are mounted in the channel;

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a wave forming apparatus similar toFIG. 56 but with a modified barreling wave forming foil, schematically illustrating the formation of a barreling wave and a rider riding in the wave; and

FIG. 63 is a perspective view similar toFIG. 62 but without any water or waves shown in the channel.

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of a wave forming apparatus of an example embodiment having a single oblique foil;

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional perspective view along the line A′-A ofFIG. 64, showing pumps and flow of water in that embodiment;

FIG. 66 is a top plan cross-sectional view along the line B-B ofFIG. 64, partly cut away, showing pumps and certain areas of turbulent water flow in that embodiment;

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of the wave forming apparatus ofFIG. 64 as cross-sectioned inFIG. 2, showing an example embodiment with horizontal and angled water smootheners.

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of the wave forming apparatus ofFIG. 64 as cross-sectioned inFIG. 2, showing an example embodiment with only horizontal water smootheners.

FIG. 69A is a perspective view of two arrays of water smootheners positioned at an example 45 degree angle relative to each other, as used in the embodiment shown inFIG. 67.

FIG. 69B is a perspective view of an example array of water smootheners, partly cut away.

FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional perspective view along the line A-A ofFIG. 64, partly cut away, showing an example embodiment with horizontal and angled water smootheners.

FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional side view along the line A-A ofFIG. 64, partly cut away, showing water flow through a horizontal array of water smootheners.

FIG. 72A is a perspective view, partly cut away, of the top of a wave forming apparatus with an example modular foil positioned in a first position and orientation partially overlapping an example modular spoiler ridge;

FIG. 72B is a perspective view, partly cut away, of the top of the wave forming apparatus ofFIG. 72A with the example modular foil removed;

FIG. 72C is a perspective view, partly cut away, of the top of the wave forming apparatus ofFIG. 72A with the example modular foil positioned in a second position and orientation;

FIG. 73 is a perspective view, partly cut away, of the top of the wave forming apparatus ofFIG. 72A with the example modular foil removed and the example modular spoiler ridge removed; and

FIG. 74 is a top view, partly cut away, of a wave forming apparatus with an example modular foil positioned in a first position and orientation partially overlapping an example modular spoiler ridge.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a wave forming apparatus according to one embodiment having an oblique foil with a steep upper section and a less-steep lower section;

FIG. 76 is a closer perspective view of the wave forming apparatus ofFIG. 75;

FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional perspective view along the line77-77 ofFIG. 76, showing construction of the foil in that embodiment;

FIG. 78A is a perspective top view of the wave forming apparatus ofFIG. 75, showing a recess and oblong hole formed in the foil adapted to interface with a fastener according to one embodiment;

FIG. 78B is a cross-sectional side view along the line77-77 ofFIG. 76, partly cut away byline2400 as shown inFIG. 77, showing oblong holes formed in the foil and the bottom of the flume adapted to interface with a fastener according to one embodiment;

FIG. 78C is a cross-sectional side view along the line77-77 ofFIG. 76, partly cut away byline2400 as shown inFIG. 77, showing the wave forming apparatus ofFIG. 78B, with a fastener according to one embodiment installed in an unlocked position;

FIG. 78D is a cross-sectional side view along the line77-77 ofFIG. 76, partly cut away byline2400 as shown inFIG. 77, showing the wave forming apparatus ofFIG. 78C according to one embodiment, with the fastener installed in a locked position;

FIG. 79 is a perspective top view of the wave forming apparatus ofFIG. 78D according to one embodiment, showing the fastener installed in a locked position;

FIG. 80 is a perspective top view of the fastener ofFIGS. 78C and 78D according to one embodiment, showing the fastener in a locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments as disclosed herein provide for an apparatus and method for forming waves in a water ride or water feature. For example, one method as disclosed herein allows for formation of an adjustable barreling or tubing wave which turns back at the peak to form a tube or tunnel and for adjustment of the barreling wave formation so that the wave travels.

After reading this description it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how to implement the invention in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 illustrate a wave forming apparatus according to a first embodiment for forming rideable, standing waves. The apparatus basically comprises achannel10 for containing a flow of water, the channel having aweir12 at its inlet end connected to a supply of water in areservoir14, and a series of spaced bed forms15 in the channel downstream of the weir. Sloping side walls or entry/exit portions16 extend outwardly fromopposite sides17 of thewave forming channel10 to theouter sides18 of the apparatus, which are spaced outwardly from the outer sides ofchannel10, as best illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 5.

As best illustrated inFIG. 2, thechannel10 has afloor20 and theweir12 andbed forms15 are provided at spaced intervals along the channel, mounted in the floor of the channel and extending between the opposite side walls of the channel, to define a primary flow path for water over the weir and the bed forms. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1, 2 and 5, theopposite sides17 of thechannel10 are shown to taper outwardly from the inlet end of the channel, atweir12, to the opposite end of the channel. However, thesides17 may alternatively be straight, as in the embodiment ofFIGS. 15 and 16, discussed in more detail below, or taper inwardly.

The bed forms15 are each of similar or identical shape and have aleading end22 and a trailingend24, with anupstream face25 inclined upwardly to a peak or upper portion, and adownstream face26 with a downwardly inclined, convex curvature extending from the peak towards the trailingend24. As best illustrated inFIG. 2, theupstream end22 is flush with thefloor20 of the channel, for improved safety. The downstream face has a re-curve or change in curvature adjacent the trailing end, such that it terminates in a generally flat orhorizontal portion28. The trailingend24 is spaced above thefloor20 of the channel to form an abrupt vertical cut-off, as indicated inFIG. 2. The tail elevation factor TEF, or ratio of the height h1 of the trailingend24 of the bed form above the floor of the channel to the height h2 at the top or peak of the next bed form is designed to be in a predetermined range which has been found to produce standing waves. The range in TEF may be in the range from 0.125 to 0.75 while still producing rideable standing waves.

Theweir12 also extends upwardly from the floor, with a trailing end at the inlet fromreservoir14. Spacedinlet side walls30 extend from a location inreservoir14 outwardly along opposite sides ofweir12. This has been found to smooth the water flow from the reservoir into thechannel10. Theweir12 is of an airfoil like shape, extending upwardly from the leading edge to a peak and then having a convex downward curvature up to trailingedge32, which is also spaced above thefloor20 of the channel.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the weir andbed forms12 and15 may be of any suitable sheet material construction, such as metal, strong plastic material, or thin concrete and have a hollow interior. The bed forms each have a pair ofelongate side vents34 along opposite sides of the bed form extending across the peak of the bed form, as best illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. Similarly, theweir12 has a pair of elongate side vents35 on its opposite sides, extending along part of the downwardly inclined face. The raised trailing ends of the weir and bed forms also each form avent36 extending across the width of the channel, which defines, together withside vents34, a secondary flow path for water traveling alongchannel10.

The weir and bed form may each be supported by height adjusters under or adjacent the peak or highest point of the bed form, such asheight adjuster42 as illustrated inFIG. 2.Shorter height adjusters44 are provided to support the tail end portion of the weir and bed forms. Theheight adjusters42 and44 are adjustable in height, with the opposite sides of the weir and bed forms sliding against thechannel side walls17. In an exemplary embodiment, two spacedheight adjusters42 and two spacedheight adjusters44 are provided, with each height adjuster being approximately one quarter of the bed form width inwardly from theadjacent side wall17, and spaced apart from the other height adjuster by a distance equal to half the bed form width. A greater number of height adjusters may be provided if required for additional support.

In order to provide adjustability in the secondary flow, theheight adjusters42 and44 vary the bed form and tail elevation. In the illustrated embodiment, the weir and bed forms are each secured to the channel floor at the leading end via afirst pivot38, and a trailing end portion of the weir and bed forms is formed as a separate section pivoted to the remainder at asecond pivot40. Theheight adjuster42 acts between the floor of the channel and the upstream pivoted portion of the weir and bed form, and thesecond height adjuster44 acts between the floor of the channel and the pivoted trailing end portion of the weir and bed forms. Thefirst height adjuster42 changes the height of the peak of the weir or bed form, while the second height adjuster changes the elevation of the tail end of the weir or bed form, thus changing the vent height and the amount of secondary flow into or out of the tail end vent. The two height adjusters can therefore be adjusted to vary the TEF ratio.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a modified height adjustment mechanism for abed form15. In this case, rather than pivoted sections, each bed form is ahollow shell45 formed from a flexible material and secured to thefloor20 of the channel at theleading end46 only. A first series of spacedheight adjusters48 extend at spaced intervals across the channel between the floor of the channel and the inner surface of theshell45 adjacent the peak of the bed form. A second series of spacedheight adjusters50 extend at spaced intervals across the width of the bed form adjacent the trailingend52. Thus, theheight adjusters50 can be extended by different amounts, as inFIG. 9, in order to vary the height of thesecondary passageway vent54 across the width of the channel, to vary the standing wave properties. Useful waves can be created with different elevations across the width of the tail, for example one side may be at TEF=0 and the other side at TEF=0.8. This still creates a rideable wave. If therams50 are eliminated, the tail end of the bed form inFIG. 8 is self-adjusting in height. This creates an oscillating wave which may be desirable in some cases.

Although the embodiments ofFIGS. 1, 2 and 5 andFIGS. 8 and 9 have both weirs and bed forms with height adjustment devices, the apparatus may alternatively have fixed weirs, without any height adjusters, combined with adjustable bed forms, or may have both fixed weirs and fixed bed forms of the same general shape illustrated in the drawings. The adjustability is provided as a means for the operator to vary the wave conditions as desired. However, this may not be necessary in all cases. In general, the height h2 of the peak of the bed form is in the range of half of the inner flume height to 1.5 times the inner flume height. InFIG. 5, the bed form height is approximately equal to the inner flume height. The inner flume height is dependent on the application requirements, and in one embodiment of a water park attraction the flume height may be around ⅙ of the width of the flume.

In the apparatus illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2 and 5 and the alternative ofFIGS. 8 and 9, water flows from the reservoir in a primary flow path over the top ofweir12 and over each of the successive bed forms. At the same time, as indicated by thearrows55, a secondary flow path is provided via the side vents and trailing end vents of the weir and bed forms. This secondary flow may be in either direction, i.e. from the trailing end back under the bed form and out at the peak of the bed form, or vice versa, depending on overall flow conditions. The provision of a secondary flow passageway through the bed form with a vent at the trailing edge of the bed form has been found to produce astable standing wave56 at the upstream face of the next bed form in the channel, as indicated inFIG. 2. The standing wave formation is enhanced by the provision of the shallow slopingside wall portions16, which provide for some flow outsidechanne10, as indicated inFIG. 1. In general, it is desirable that the flume be deeper in the channel or wave formingarea10 that contains the bed forms, and shallower just beyond the sides of the bed forms. This channels the water over the bed forms, and prevents too much water from escaping around the bed forms, while allowing the sides of the top portion of the standing wave to vent sideways. This is believed to help prevent the standing wave from decaying. The slight upward inclination out to theopposite sides18 of the apparatus also helps to return water towards the center of the channel, helping additional wave formation at subsequent downstream bed forms.

Although theopposite side portions16 extending from opposite sides of thechannel10 and bed forms out to theouter sides18 of the wave forming apparatus are shown inFIG. 5 as having a slight upward slope, they may alternatively be flat or even have a slight downward slope, as indicated inFIG. 17.

FIG. 17 is a view similar toFIG. 5 of a modified flume structure in which flat, shallowouter side portions58 are provided on opposite sides of the channel. Theside portions58 may alternatively be inclined slightly downwardly, as indicated in dotted outline. It has been found that theside portions16 or58 may have an inclination in the range from −5 degrees up to +10 degrees. Any angle in this range has the desired effect of standing wave formation under the proper flow conditions, although an inclination above 0 degrees has the advantage of returning water back into the channel downstream of a first standing wave. In one embodiment, eachside portion16,58 has a width equal to at least 33% of the channel width for optimum wave sustaining effect. If the side portions are of different widths, one side may have a width of 25% of the channel width if the other side is wider.

Thereservoir14 is continuously supplied with water via a suitable water-recirculating system of a type well known in the field of water park rides, in which water leaving the end ofchannel10 is pumped back into the reservoir. The water re-circulation path may be beneath thechannel10, around one or both sides of the channel, or from other adjacent, linked rides.

The combination of features inFIG. 2, i.e. the specific bed form shape, the secondary passageways, and the shallowouter side portions16, has been found on testing to lead to stable standing wave formation. This, in turn, produces a wave riding water ride suitable for a water amusement park. The shallowouter side portions16 also provide a convenient means for a rider to enter and exit the ride. The side vents34,35 and end vents36 are covered with gratings (not illustrated) for rider safety. The standingwave56 in one embodiment has a steep, unbroken, and stable wave face which is good for surfing. Variation of the trailing end vent height across the width of the bed form, as inFIG. 9, may be used, if desired, to create effects such as a sideways breaking wave. Theheight adjusters42,44 may be adjusted to produce a desired sequence of standing, stable waves.

The weir and bed forms ofFIGS. 2 and 8 are hollow shells which provide the secondary passageways back under the shell via suitable venting. Although thevents34,35 are spaced side vents in the illustrated embodiment, a vent extending across the top of the bed form may alternatively be provided. However, side vents avoid the need for a safety grating across the entire top of the bed form. Additionally, instead of forming the weir and bed forms by separate shaped sheet-like members secured in the channel, they may alternatively be formed or molded integrally in the floor of the channel as solid structures.FIG. 3 illustrates a modified wave forming apparatus according to another embodiment, in which the hollow shell weir and bed forms are replaced with asolid weir60 and solid bed forms62 spaced downstream ofweir60. The remainder of the apparatus, apart from the weir and bed forms, is identical to that ofFIGS. 1 and 2, and like reference numerals have been used for like parts as appropriate.

Theweir60 is of identical surface shape to thehollow weir12 ofFIG. 2, but has apassageway64 extending under the weir from the leading end to the trailingend65, instead of the vent structure ofFIG. 2. The bed forms62 are also of identical shape to the bed forms15 ofFIG. 1, but thevent openings34,36 are replaced withpassageways66 through the bed forms. Eachpassageway66 has oneend opening68 at the trailing end of the bed form, and another end opening69 adjacent the peak of the bed form. Twoopenings69 may be provided on opposite sides ofbed form62, with two spacedpassageways66 ending in a chamber extending across the width of the bed form and terminating atopening68. Alternatively, asingle opening69 andpassageway66 may be provided. This arrangement produces standing waves under appropriate flow conditions in an identical manner to the previous embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates another modified embodiment, which has a similar solid weir and bed form arrangement toFIG. 3, but the secondary flow passageways are eliminated altogether. The structure inFIG. 4 is again identical to that ofFIGS. 1 and 2, apart from the weir and bed forms, and like reference numerals are used for like parts as appropriate. InFIG. 4, aweir70 is provided at the inlet end ofchannel10 adjacent the reservoir outlet and a series of spaced, solid bed forms72 of identical shape are provided alongchannel10 downstream of the weir. Theweir70 is of similar, airfoil shape to theweir60 ofFIG. 4, but rather than having an abrupt vertical cut off at the trailing edge, the trailingedge74 ofweir70 continues to curve downwardly to meet thefloor20 of the channel at a smooth transition.

The bed forms72 are of similar or identical shape to the bed forms15 and52 of the previous embodiments, with aleading edge75 which has a flush transition with thefloor20 of the channel, an upwardly inclined leadingface76, apeak77, a downwardly inclined, concave trailingface78, and a recurved, substantially flat trailingend portion80 with an abrupt vertical drop offface82 at the trailing end of the bed form. It has been found that an abrupt drop off, such asvertical face82 or the trailing end drop offs ofFIGS. 2 and 3, helps to create a stable standing wave at the leading face of the next bed form. This effect occurs in this embodiment without the secondary flow passageways.

In the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 to 5, the bed forms each have an abrupt trailing edge vertical drop off, with the trailing end of the bed form raised above the channel by a predetermined height, either with or without secondary flow paths for water through the bed form.FIG. 6 illustrates another alternative embodiment which has secondary water flow passageways, but no vertical drop off at the trailing edge of the weir or bed forms. Other parts of the wave forming apparatus are otherwise identical to the previous embodiments, and like reference numerals have been used as appropriate.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 6, thechannel10 has a shapedweir84 at the entry or reservoir end, and one or more bed forms85 at spaced intervals downstream ofweir84. The weir and bed forms are of hollow shell construction, as inFIGS. 1 and 2, but may alternatively be of solid construction with formed passageways, as inFIG. 3. The weir is of generally airfoil like shape, and has a curved, convex trailingface86 which extends down to merge smoothly with thefloor20 of the channel at its trailingend88. Asecondary passageway90 extends fromreservoir14 through the lower part of the weir up to the trailingend88, with a safety grating92 covering the open, trailing end ofpassageway90. Thepassageway90 may be provided with one or more flow control devices, such asheight adjuster94 andflap valve95. Theadjustable weir84 ofFIG. 6 may used in place ofweir12 ofFIG. 2, or in any of the other embodiments to provide added adjustability of water flow at the leading end of the channel.

Thebed form85 has a shape similar tobed form15 ofFIG. 1, with a generally concave, upwardly inclined leadingface96 leading up to a peak, and a downwardly inclined, generally convex trailingface97. However, the shape at the trailing end is different from the previous embodiments, since the trailing end cut off is eliminated, and the trailing face instead curves smoothly down to meet thefloor20 of the channel at its trailingend98. As in the previous embodiments, a secondary water flow passageway is provided through thebed form85 via avent opening100 at the trailing end and ventopenings102 on opposite sides of the bed form which extend over the peak of the bed form. The vent openings are covered with gratings for safety.

In this embodiment, the secondary passageway through the bed form, along with theshallow side portions16 on opposite sides of the deeper channel containing the bed forms, and the shape of the bed forms, tends to create astanding wave104 at thefirst bed form85 and each subsequent bed form in the channel, as in the previous embodiments. The weir and bed forms may alternatively be of solid construction with through passageways, as inFIG. 3.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternativebed form structure110 which may be used in place of the bed forms15 of the first embodiment. In this case, rather than permitting flow circulation in the entire area under the bed form, the flow is channeled through one ormore passageways112 via a vent or slot114 at the trailing end of the bed form, and a vent or slot115 adjacent the peak of the bed form. Eachvent114,115 and the associatedpassageway112 may extend across the width of the bed form, or two side slots may be provided as inFIGS. 1 and 2 to communicate via spaced passageways with afull width vent115. Flow control flaps orvalves116 are provided in thepassageway112 to control the secondary flow, so that the size and stability of the subsequent standing wave can be controlled more readily.

FIG. 10 illustrates a wave forming apparatus according to another embodiment, in which theweir118 andbed forms120 are actually molded into thefloor121 of the channel, out of concrete or the like. Theweir118 has apassageway122 extending from the leading end to a trailing end vent covered with a pivotedgrating flap125 which rests freely against thefloor121. Theupper portion126 of the weir is pivoted at its leading end viapivot128 and supported adjacent its trailing end by one ormore height adjusters130 spaced across the width of thepassageway122, acting between thefloor121 andportion126. Thus, the secondary flow rate can be readily adjusted simply by extending or retractingram130, either lifting the free end ofportion126 to increase the size of vent opening124, or loweringportion126 to reduce the vent size.

Thebed form120 is of similar shape to the previous embodiments, and has asecondary flow passageway132 extending from a location adjacent the peak or highest point of the bed form to the trailing end of the bed form, wherein the vent is again covered with a pivotedgrating flap134 permitting height adjustment. Anupper portion135 of thebed form120 is pivotally mounted at its leading end viapivot136, and supported at its trailing end by one ormore height adjusters138 spaced across the width of the bed form, extending betweenfloor121 and theportion135. Again, this permits the size of the trailing end vent, and thus the amount of secondary flow in either direction throughchannel132, to optimize the standing wave139.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which both theweir140 andbed forms142 havesecondary flow passageways144 extending from the leading end to the trailing end. Eachpassageway144 has aflow control valve145 for adjusting the amount of secondary water flow. The vent openings at each end of the bed form passageways, and the trailing end of the weir passageway, are covered with safety gratings. The bed forms are of similar shape to the previous embodiments, and are mounted in an apparatus similar to that illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, with shallow side portions outside the channel containing bed forms142. As in the previous embodiments, the arrangement is such thatrideable standing waves146 forms adjacent the peak of thefirst bed form142 and each subsequent bed form.

FIG. 12 illustrates another modification in which aweir148 is followed by subsequent bed forms150 of similar shape to the previous embodiments. However, in this case, rather than providing a secondary flow passageway extending from the peak or leading end of the bed form to the trailing end of the bed form, secondary water flow is instead provided via a vent passageway or opening152 located between each adjacent pair of bed forms, and between the weir and first bed form.

Thepassageways152 are each covered by a safety grating153 at their open end and communicate with a single throughpassageway154 extending through the floor of the channel beneath the bed forms. Afirst portion155 of the passageway beneath the weir is cut off from the subsequent portion of the passageway extending beneath the bed forms viawall156. Aflow control valve158 is provided at the junction between eachvent passageway152 and thefirst portion155. This arrangement helps standing waves to form by permitting flow into and out of the area beneath the standing wave.

The embodiment ofFIG. 12 may be incorporated in an apparatus as generally illustrated inFIG. 1 with a central, deeper channel containing the weir and bed forms, and shallow side portions on each side of the channel. Thevalves158 provide additional control for adjusting the properties of the standing waves formed over the bed forms.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate another modifiedbed form160 which may be used in place of the bed forms15 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 in a wave forming apparatus. The apparatus is otherwise identical to that ofFIGS. 1, 2 and 5, and like reference numerals have been used for like parts as appropriate. InFIG. 13, the bed form is of similar shape to that ofFIG. 6, although it may have a shape similar to that ofFIG. 2, with a re-curved trailing end and a sharp vertical drop off. Asecondary flow passageway162 is provided from a vent opening or slot164 at the peak of the bed form to a trailingend vent165 covered by a grating. The trailingend vent165 extends across the full width of the bed form, as indicated inFIG. 14.

A series offlap valves166 are provided across the width ofpassageway162 adjacent the trailing end vent opening. This allows the opening size to be varied across the width of thevent165, to produce various effects in the subsequent standing wave formed downstream ofbed form160. For example, by closing theflaps166 successively across the width of thevent165, a sideways breaking wave may be produced. With all the flaps open, a stable standing wave is produced.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a wave forming apparatus similar to that ofFIGS. 1, 2 and 5, but showing a possible water re-circulation system for circulating water back to a reservoir at the inlet end of the apparatus. In this embodiment, a raisedreservoir170 at one end of the apparatus supplies water via anelongated inlet172 to awave forming channel174 in which aweir175 and a series of spaced bed forms176 are provided. At the end ofchannel174, water falls through grating178 into achamber180, and is then re-circulated through apassageway182 beneathchannel174 back to achamber183 beneath the reservoir, where it is re-circulated viapumping system184.

Other water re-circulation systems may be used, such as passageways around the sides ofchannel174, or the outlet end of the wave forming apparatus may be connected to other water rides, and water may then be re-circulated from those rides back toreservoir170. As in the first embodiment,shallow side portions185 extend from each side ofchannel174 to theouter sides186 of the apparatus, and this may be inclined slightly upwardly, as inFIG. 5, or may be flat or inclined slightly downwardly. The bed forms176 ofFIG. 16 are solid shaped members similar to those ofFIG. 4, without any secondary flow passageways but with an abrupt vertical cut off188 at the trailing end. However, bed forms176 may be replaced with any of the other alternative bed forms illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 14. The sides ofchannel174 are straight, rather than flaring outwardly as inFIG. 1. However, they may alternatively taper outwardly or inwardly from the leading end to the trailing end of the channel.

In this apparatus, as in the previous embodiments, standing waves are formed downstream of eachwaveform176 at the next structure, i.e. the upstream face of the next successive waveform, or, in the case of the last waveform, at the upwardlyinclined grating178. The formation of a standing wave over grating178 has some advantages. For example, after exiting the wave, the rider can easily stand up in the shallow water over the grafting in order to exit the ride. In another alternative embodiment, a wave forming apparatus may comprise a channel as in the previous embodiments with a series of alternating waveforms and gratings, with each wave being formed over a grating. This separates the riders more effectively. Each successive waveform and grating may be stepped down from the preceding pair, to ensure adequate water flow through the channel.

In each of the above embodiments, water flows over and through a weir at the inlet end of the channel. However, flow may alternatively be provided through side channels extending along opposite sides of the weir, under the control of flap valves.

The wave forming apparatus in each of the above embodiments may create more readily controlled standing waves. A combination of features produces beneficial wave conditions, with some or all of these features being used dependent on the desired form of the standing wave, and what degree of adjustability in the wave formation is required. One key feature is a sequence of two or more shaped bed forms, such that waves tend to be formed at a leading face of the successive bed forms. However, this alone is not sufficient to form a stable standing wave. Another feature which may help to form a standing wave is the provision of secondary flow beneath each bed form, with a vent for flow into or out of the secondary passageway immediately upstream of the desired wave forming location, prior to the leading face of the next bed form. This is believed to provide flow out of or into the space beneath the wave at the wave forming location, enhancing the stability of the wave.

The opposite end of the secondary passageway is provided in most cases at or adjacent the peak or highest point of the bed form, and may comprise a vent across most of the width of the bed form, or two elongated side vents on opposite sides of the bed form centered at the peak. A further feature which produces improved standing waves is the provision of a sharp, vertical cut off at the trailing end of the bed form, so that a trailing end is spaced above the floor of the channel. This alone, without a secondary passage, results in some standing wave formation. However, standing waves are enhanced by providing both a secondary passageway and a sharp cut off, as in some of the embodiments illustrated above. The secondary passageway also provides a convenient means for adjusting the standing wave, by means of height adjusters to vary the height of the trailing end of the waveform, valves to vary the secondary flow, and the like, as illustrated in some of the above embodiments. Adjustment of the size of the trailing end vent across the width of the bed form may be used to create a breaking, curling, or pitching wave. A surge of secondary flow can be created by hinging the bed form so as to first cut off the secondary flow, and then lifting the trailing end of the bed form. By providing a flexible trailing end portion for the bed form, which can lift and lower freely based on flow conditions, an oscillating wave form can be produced.

The bed form shape in each of the above embodiments comprises a concave leading face, a curved peak, and a concave trailing face. This tends to produce a wave at the leading face of the next bed form. In some of the above embodiments, the trailing face continues down to blend smoothly with the floor of the channel. However, wave forming is enhanced by providing a re-curve adjacent the trailing end of the bed form, to produce a substantially horizontal tail portion before an abrupt vertical drop off at a predetermined tail elevation factor, or TEF, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 to 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, and 16. This produces standing waves without the secondary passageway for adding or removing water beneath the formed wave.

The flume cross-sectional profile in each of the above embodiments comprises a deeper central channel containing the weir and bed forms for producing waves, and shallower side portions extending outwardly from opposite sides of the channel. This channels the water over the bed forms and prevents too much water from escaping around the bed forms, while allowing the sides of the top portion of each standing wave to vent sideways. This helps to prevent the wave from decaying and enhances stability. The shallow side portions may be tapered slightly upwardly so as to return water back to the center of the channel, although they may alternatively be horizontal or tapered downwardly.

In the previous embodiments, the flume or channel is shown as having a substantially flat or evenfloor20. However, it may be beneficial in some cases, particularly in channels with a plurality of bed forms for forming multiple standing waves, for thefloor20 to have a slight incline downwards from the channel or flume entrance to the end of the flume, as illustrated inFIG. 28. This inclination may be in the range of 0 to 4 degrees. Rather than a constant inclination along the length of the flume, it may have a shallower portion extending from the entrance and a steeper portion at the lower end, or it may be curved to provide a change in depth along the flume.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a wave forming apparatus according to another embodiment. This apparatus is similar to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2, and like reference numerals have been used for like parts, as appropriate. However, instead of a series of bed forms which are each perpendicular to the water flow direction, in this embodiment thelast bed form200 in the channel orflume10 is oriented at an oblique angle to the water flow. Also, thefloor20 may have a slight declination of the order of 1 to 4 degrees, as inFIG. 28.

As in the previous embodiments,channel10 has aweir12 at its inlet end connected to a supply of water in areservoir14. Afirst bed form15 is positioned downstream ofweir12 in order to create a stable, standing wave.Oblique bed form200 is positioned downstream ofbed form15. In alternative arrangements, a greater number of bed forms15 may be provided prior tooblique bed form200. Thechannel10 is of tapering, gradually increasing width along its length, and may be provided with a water re-circulation system at its end as inFIGS. 15 and 16, or may intersect with another channel in other arrangements. Sloping side walls or entry/exit portions16 extend from the opposite,vertical sides17 of the wave forming channel orflume10 to theouter sides18 of the apparatus.

The weir andbed form15, as well as theoblique bed form200, are each of hollow shell construction, although they may be of any of the alternative constructions illustrated in the preceding embodiments. The bed forms15 and200 each incline upwardly to a peak, and then incline downwardly to a trailingend24,202 which is raised above thefloor20 of the channel. Aninclined grating204,205 extends from the trailing end of each bed form down to thefloor20. Grating206 is also provided over the open, trailing end of theweir12. The bed forms15 and200 each have a pair ofelongate side vents34 along opposite sides of the bed form and extending across the peak of the bed form. Similarly, theweir12 has a pair of elongate side vents35. The raised trailing end of each bed form and thevents34 together form a secondary flow passageway for water through the bed form, as described in connection with the previous embodiments.

Theoblique bed form200 in the illustrated embodiment has an oblique or non-perpendicularleading edge208 and a peak orridge line210 which is at the same oblique angle as theleading edge208. The trailingedge202 is shown at the same oblique angle as the leading edge and peak, although it may be at a different angle or even perpendicular to the flow. It is the angle of the leading edge and peak which are critical in creating a standing, curling wave or tube, and the orientation of the trailing edge is dependent on what waveforms, if any, are to be provided downstream of the oblique bed form. It may also be advantageous to rake the trailingedge24 of thebed form15 immediately upstream of theoblique bed form200 to provide the ideal hydraulic conditions for standing wave formation, for example as illustrated in dotted outline inFIG. 18. The angle of theleading edge208 for creating a curling wave is in the range of 15 to 30 degrees from perpendicular to the flow direction, i.e. 105 to 120 degrees to the flow direction. In the exemplary embodiment, as noted above, the peak orridge line210 is at the same angle as leadingedge208, but could vary from this angle in order to create different wave effects.

In this embodiment, thefirst bed form15 creates a standing wave with a stable wake as described above, while the oblique bed form creates a standing curling wave. The raked leading edge and slant of thebed form200 gives water a sideways velocity component which induces the more downstream side to break continuously while the more upstream side remains an unbroken standing wave. Thus, the curling wave is created near the downstream end of the bed form and extends across the bed form, as indicated inFIGS. 17 and 18. The water depth across the wave varies from channel flow depth just prior to the wave to depths almost as high as the wave itself when measured under the peak. The standing tube or curling wave is induced to pitch out continuously by the bottom form of the bed and the ventilated shear wake created by the wave forming structure.

All the motion controls applied to the normal standing wave forming apparatus of the previous embodiments may be applied to the oblique bed form for forming the curling standing wave. Thus, the tail elevation, peak height, flow rate, channel depth, and other parameters may be varied in order to vary the wave.

FIGS. 20 to 22 illustrate another embodiment of a wave forming apparatus for creating a standing, curling wave. In this embodiment, instead of providing an oblique bed form in theprimary channel10, anotherchannel220 is oriented to intersect the end of theprimary channel10 at an oblique angle. The water flowing in thesecondary channel220 is deeper than the water flowing alongprimary channel10, as indicated inFIG. 21. Theprimary channel10 has a weir and a series of bed forms15 for creating stable standing waves, as in the first embodiment, with only thelast bed form15 being illustrated inFIGS. 20 and 21. The apparatus would also work with only onebed form15 in the primary channel orflume10, if no additional standing waves are desired.

Ariver bed form222 is provided in thebed224 ofsecondary channel220.Secondary channel220 has aninner side wall229 and anouter wall230. The river is fed from a suitable water supply such as areservoir231. Thebed form222 insecondary channel220 may be a solid or hollow bed form, and does not require any secondary flow channels. Thebed form222 is of generally rounded shape and is elongated in the river flow direction, as indicated inFIG. 22, with gradually tapering or smoothly contoured ends225,226 merging smoothly with theriver bed224. The leadingsurface228 of thebed form222 facing theprimary channel10 is of convex, rounded shape, as best illustrated inFIG. 21. The leadingsurface228 is similar in shape to the flume bed forms15, and the height of thebed form222 is less than that of the flume bed forms. The trailing surface shape is not critical and no tail elevation is required, because no downstream wave is created after the curling wave. The bed form shape and length in the river flow direction are not critical. Overall height, position, and leading surface shape are the most critical factors. The ideal position forbed form222 is at the confluence of the two water flows, but it may be adjusted upstream or downstream slightly for different effects. As noted above, the leading surface shape is approximately the same as the leading surface shape of flume bed forms15, but the peak is of lower height.

In this embodiment, a curlingwave232 is created at the confluence of the faster flumeflow exiting channel10 with the deeper and slower river flow alongchannel222. A stable wake is induced betweenbed form15 andbed form222. The combination of the stable wake and confluence of the two water flows creates a hollow curling wave suitable for riding in the tube of the wave. This wave can be controlled to advance or recede using the motion controls of the bed form apparatus, as described in detail in the previous embodiments, as well as by changing the flow rates and depths of the primary flume and/or river flow. The tworeservoir sources14 and231 provide a suitable flow rate and velocity to be selected for each flow in order to create the standing, curling wave, and may be adjusted as needed. The curling wave can also be induced to break, advance, and recede by introducing traveling waves into the primary channel or the river flows.

The curlingwave232 is created in part by the depth of the water in the river behind the curling wave, or pooled water level, and partly by the oblique angle of the intersecting flow. Typical hydraulic jumps can be created by introducing faster moving water into slower moving water. The ideal level for the pooled water or intersecting river behind the curlingwave232 is a factor of 1.5 greater than the overall elevation drop from thechannel floor20 at the entrance to channel10 down to the flume bottom at the wave location. Adjusting the pooled water level behind curlingwave232 changes the size and characteristics of the curling wave. If the pooled water level is too high, say a factor of 2 greater than the flume elevation drop, the pooled water may cause the wave to decay. If the pooled water level falls to a factor of 0.7 or less of the flume elevation drop, the wave is eliminated.

In one embodiment, the angle of intersection between the water flows in the primary flume orchannel10 and thesecondary channel220 was approximately 75 degrees (i.e. the angle betweenchannel10 andsecondary channel220, but it may be in the range from 30 degrees to 90 degrees. The range of suitable angles depends in part on the velocities of the two flows. For example, two sheet flows (flows with Froude numbers substantially in excess of 5, and approximately 35 and higher in current sheet flow technology practice) can be directed at each other to produce a water effect with the appearance of a curling wave. Any practical angles other than parallel can produce the effect. For standing wave formation, the river flow is typically slower, at subcritical (Froude number less than 1) or faster speeds, producing a hydraulic resistance to the faster flume flow. This, together with the oblique angle of intersection, tends to produce the standing curling wave, with the wave breaking continuously at the downstream end of the intersecting flows and the more upstream end forming an unbroken standing wave.Bed form222 enhances the standing, curling wave formation. Flume water Froude numbers in the trough just ahead of the standing wave have Froude values in the 1 to 5 range. With standing waves, Froude numbers vary at every location in the flow and are subcritical (less than 1) at the standing wave peak. Theriver bed form222 helps to control the position and formation of the standing curling wave.

FIG. 23 illustrates a modification in which, rather than having an independently fed intersecting river flow, as inFIGS. 20 to 22, acontinuous loop234 is provided, with theprimary channel10 intersection theinner wall235 of the loop at the desired oblique angle. This is a more efficient layout where the river flow is created by the inertia of the flume flow driving the combined flows in a continuous loop. For simplicity, the bed forms inprimary channel10 and in the loop at theintersection236 between the primary channel and river flow are not shown, but may be identical to those illustrated inFIGS. 20 to 22 in order to create the standingcurling wave232, as well as one or more standing waves in theprimary channel10.

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate another alternative arrangement for creating a standing, curling wave. Instead of a secondary channel or river loop intersecting theprimary channel10, in this embodiment aprimary channel238 has acurve240 immediately after a standing wave producingbed form15, inducing a sideways flow component which creates a standingtubing wave242. The water depth is changed at thecurve240 by providing aweir244 at the outlet end of the channel which tends to back up water ahead of thetubing wave242, as indicated inFIG. 25. Theweir244 is provided in the bottom orbed245 of thechannel238 adjacent theend wall246, and anoutlet opening248 allows water exiting the channel to flow back alongwater return passage250. Aninclined safety grille252 covers theweir244 andexit opening248. Theweir244 causes the water to back up, increasing the water depth and slowing the flow rate, which enhances the tubing wave formation.

FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate another alternative wave forming apparatus in which jet pumps replace the reservoir in creating the primary flume flow ahead of the bed forms. In this embodiment, the flume orchannel260 is in the form of an elongated river loop, with jet pumps262 provided at the start of eachstraight side portion264 of the loop in the flow direction. One or more standing wave formingbed forms15 are provided in eachstraight side portion264, and these have venting as in the previous embodiments for creating standing waves. A second type ofbed form265 is provided at the start of each curledend266 of the loop. This has no venting and is shaped at its trailingend268 to conform with the bend in the channel, as indicated inFIG. 26. The bed forms265 are lower in height than the bed forms15. With this arrangement, one or more standing waves are produced at bed forms15, while acurling standing wave270 is produced at each curve or bend in the river loop.

The jet pump arrangement is illustrated in more detail inFIG. 27. As illustrated, jet pumps262 are arranged in pairs inside a housing having a flatupper wall272, aninclined inlet grille274, and aninclined outlet grille275. Water is drawn through the inlet grille and out through the exit grille, as indicated, in order to circulate water at the desired flow rate. Theriver loop260 may be elongated if a greater number of standing wave bed forms15 is desired.

FIG. 30 illustrates abed form300 with a modified,extended tail301 which may be provided on the weir and additional bed forms of any of the preceding embodiments, whileFIG. 29 illustrates atail302 of the same general extent as inFIG. 3, 4, or8, for example. Thetail302 has a length A, while thetail300A has an extended, flat or generallyhorizontal end portion304 of length B. If the overall length of the bed form from the leading end to the end of the tail inFIG. 29 is L, and the length of theextended portion304 inFIG. 30 is B, then the length B in an exemplary embodiment is of the order of 25% to 50% of length L, and the overall bed form length L′ is L+B, inother words 25% to 50% longer than inFIG. 29. The extended tail portion is at least three feet in length and may be up to ten feet in length in an exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, the length is arranged to be at least equal to the approximate length of a surfboard to allow room for maneuvering.

The advantage of having an extended, generally flat tail portion is that it provides more room for maneuvering a surfboard in front of the face of the wave W formed downstream of the bed form, as indicated inFIG. 30. This is particularly useful for riders with longer surfboards.

A raised bump orspoiler305 may be formed at the end of theextended tail portion304 ofFIG. 30, as indicated in the enlarged view ofFIG. 31. A spoiler is an abrupt rise near the end of a bed form tail. The spoiler has a smooth, upwardly inclined leading face with a rounded top for safety. The height of the spoiler may be in the range from about 5% to about 30% of the height h of the bed form peak.

FIGS. 32A to 32D illustrate some alternative spoiler shapes.FIG. 32A illustrates aspoiler305 of similar shape toFIG. 31.FIG. 32B illustrates a straightvertical spoiler306 at the end of thetail portion304.FIG. 32C illustrates an alternative square orrectangular spoiler308.FIG. 32D illustrates aspoiler309 having an extended peak and a leading end ramp at an angle which may be between 30 and 60 degrees.

The advantage of a spoiler at the end of the tail is that it allows the wave to form over a wider range of flow rates, which improves efficiency and allows for a wider range of wave heights in a given arrangement of bed forms. Without such a spoiler, an equivalent bed form creates a wave which is not as high, or more water can be supplied into the channel to make the wave as high. The bump or spoiler creates turbulence which helps to support the standing wave, and also forms a higher wave for a given flow rate. Although the spoiler is shown at the end ofextended tail section304 in the illustrated embodiment, it may also be provided on the end of a shorter tail as in the previous embodiments, or at the trailing end of a bed form with no tail.

The spoiler may extend straight across the end of the tail in a direction transverse to the flow direction.FIG. 33 illustrates analternative spoiler310 which has a ridge line which is curved across the width of the spoiler from one side of the tail to the other. This is a current deflecting or flow redirecting spoiler, and begins at apoint312 which is upstream of the tail on one side of the wave form and blends into the standard spoiler shape at the end of the tail on theother side314 of the wave form. Thespoiler310 is tallest at its leading edge and is reduced in height as it curves around and blends into the end of the tail, as illustrated inFIGS. 34 to 36.FIG. 34 illustrates the cross-sectional shape of thespoiler310 at a location close to thepoint312, where it is at its tallest elevation. As illustrated inFIG. 35, the spoiler is reduced in height as it extends across the width of the bed form, and is at its lowest elevation when it blends into the tail, as illustrated inFIG. 36.

The curved or flowshearing spoiler310 ofFIGS. 33 to 36 creates a current of water running from the upstream end of the spoiler towards thedownstream end314 of the spoiler. This oblique or crosswise flow component, combined with the direct downstream flow, creates a peak wave offset from the centerline of the bed form. This standing wave has a component of flow moving laterally towards the peak which creates a unique wave riding experience of predominantly angled riding. This may also help to create a curling or tubing standing wave.

The spoiler may be adjustable in height so that it can be optimized for a particular flow rate, as illustrated schematically inFIG. 37. Thespoiler305 is hinged to the end of thetail portion304 viahinge315 or may alternatively be made of flexible material. Asuitable actuator316 such as a pneumatic or hydraulic ram or the like is mounted beneath the spoiler to act between the floor and the spoiler, so that extension of the actuator increases the height of the spoiler. An expandable safety cover orenclosure318 is positioned between theend319 of the spoiler and thefloor320 of the channel.

Thespoiler305 may be segmented across the width of thetail portion304, with each segment being independently adjustable in height. Alternatively, a single piece spoiler may have different portions at varying elevations across the width of the tail.

More than one spoiler may be used to create multiple wave peaks in a given width of flow.FIG. 38 illustrates one example of a spoiler which splits into twospoiler sections322,324 which curve outwardly in opposite directions towards opposite sides of thetail portion304. This creates two standing wave peaks.

FIGS. 39 to 43 illustrate a wave forming apparatus according to another embodiment which incorporates the extended tail ofFIG. 30 as well as the spoiler ofFIG. 31. The apparatus basically comprises anouter housing325 having a water supply orreservoir326 at one end and achannel328 extending from the reservoir to the exit end of the ride for containing a flow of water. Water is re-circulated from the exit end of the ride alongside channels330 back to the reservoir, under the action of one or more pumps332. As in previous embodiments, side river banks orbeaches334 extend outwardly from opposite sides of the channel to provide for ride entry and exit. These may be completely horizontal in the transverse direction, as illustrated inFIG. 17, or have a slight downward slope, rather than being inclined upwardly as illustrated inFIG. 41. Regardless of the transverse angle of theside beaches334, each beach has a slight downward slope in the longitudinal direction from the inlet end or reservoir end to the exit end, as illustrated inFIG. 16 andFIG. 40. The slope is sufficient to allow water to drain, so that wave control is maintained. The slope of theside beaches185 inFIG. 16 is around 2.5%, but a slope of 1% is sufficient in most cases.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 40 and 41,channel328 has afloor335. A weir bed form orfirst bed form336 is formed at the exit from thereservoir326, and at least oneadditional bed form338 is spaced downstream from the weir bed form.Weir bed form336 has a peak340 at its leading end and then slopes downwardly to an extended, generally flat orhorizontal tail342, with aspoiler344 formed at the trailing end oftail342. Theadditional bed form338 has an upwardly inclined upstream face, a peak orupper portion345, and a downwardly inclined downstream face extending into an extendedflat tail346 with a spoiler or bump348 at its trailing end.Spoilers344 and348 are substantially identical in shape and dimensions.

The bed forms336,338 of this embodiment are of hollow construction, similar to the embodiments described above, and have vents for providing a secondary flow path. They may alternatively be of solid construction as in some of the other embodiments described above. As illustrated inFIG. 42, the end of thefirst spoiler344 is connected to the leading end of thenext bed form338 via abridge350 which may be a grating or have vents forming one end of the secondary flow path. Spacedvents352 across the peak form the other end of the secondary flow path. These smaller vents replace the side vents of the previous embodiment. A similar secondary flow passageway is associated with theadditional bed form338, which also hasvents352 across its peak, and also has a grating at its exit end.

Afirst peak adjuster354 is located under the peak of theweir bed form336 for adjusting the height of the peak. Asimilar peak adjuster355 is provided under the peak of theadditional bed form338. Separator plate349 (seeFIG. 42) separates the flow under the weir bed form from the water flow under theadditional bed form338. Atail adjuster356 for adjusting the height ofspoiler344 is provided under the end of thetail342, adjacent the spoiler, while asecond tail adjuster358 is locatedadjacent spoiler348.Adjusters356 and358 adjusts the height of the two spoilers. Aleading edge adjuster359 is located under the leading edge of theadditional bed form338, as best illustrated inFIG. 42. The adjusters allow flexibility in varying various parameters of the apparatus to adjust the wave conditions.

An upwardly inclined exit grating orbeach360 extends from the end of the channel to the end of the housing. Water draining through the grating360 is returned to theside channels330 viadrain chamber362 and flows back to the reservoir.

FIG. 43 illustrates an approximate operating water surface profile364 in the apparatus ofFIGS. 39 to 42 when the apparatus is operated in a critical flow or stream rate. As illustrated, afirst standing wave365 forms downstream of thefirst spoiler344, and a second,smaller standing wave366 forms downstream of thesecond spoiler348. Adjustment of the flow rate varies the height of the waves, and waves form over a larger range of flow rates than in the previous embodiments, due to the addition of the spoilers.

FIGS. 44A and 44B illustrate two different types of wave formed with the apparatus ofFIGS. 39 to 43 at different flow rates.FIG. 44A illustrates a stable standing wave which is formed at the critical flow rate or stream rate. If the flow rate is decreased sufficiently, a breakingroller370 is formed, as illustrated inFIG. 44B. This may be desirable for some riders. The Froude number at which a rideable standing wave is formed in the apparatus ofFIGS. 39 to 43 is generally around 2.3 to 4.3, with the wave starting to break at the higher number. This range may be extended to 1 to 5 in some cases.

FIGS. 45A and 45B illustrate different types of waves which can be formed with an apparatus similar to that ofFIGS. 44A and 44B, having an extended tail on each wave form but without thespoiler344.FIG. 2 illustrates a stable standing,deep water wave56 which is similar to the standing wave formed in the apparatus ofFIGS. 45A and 45B at the critical flow rate. If this flow rate is reduced, the wave is lowered, until a green face, taperedstream wave372 is formed. This wave is more shallow thanwave56 and tends to follow the shape ofbed form345, but is deeper at its peak than the water depth at other locations in the channel. If the flow rate is reduced even further, a breaking roller taperedstream wave374 is formed. Such waves may be desirable in some circumstances. The useful range of Froude number for the apparatus ofFIGS. 45A and 45B to form a stable standing wave is lower than that for the apparatus ofFIGS. 39 to 44, and is in the range of around 1 to 2.3.

The extended horizontal tail portions of the bed forms inFIGS. 39 to 45 provide an increased distance between wave peaks and also allow more room for surfboards to maneuver in front of the face of a wave. The spoiler or raised formation at or close to the end of the tail allows waves to form over a wider range of flow rates and thus provides a wider operating range for the apparatus. The spoiler creates turbulence which tends to support the wave over a wider range of conditions. As noted above, such a spoiler improves operating efficiency whether used in conjunction with an extended tail, as inFIGS. 39 to 42, or at the end of a wave form with a shorter tail, as in the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 to 28.

The enhanced, stable, stationary wave formation, as well as the standing curling wave formation ofFIGS. 18 to 27, may have applications outside the field of water amusement parks. For example, suitably shaped bed forms may be provided at the spillway of a dam. This would allow for standing wave creation which would spread energy more quietly and reduce the mist that is produced in standard dam spillways. In turn, this would reduce erosion. In another related application, this bed form and flume technology can be provided in aqueducts and sumps to remove sediment and prevent sediment accumulation. Another possible application would be as a water-based arcade attraction of the type using radio controlled boats or surfers. In this case, the apparatus would be made at around one quarter of the normal water ride scale. It may also be used in a stand-alone water toy. The apparatus may also be used for a purely ornamental water attraction in parks and the like.

FIGS. 46, 47, 48A and 48B illustrate another embodiment of awave forming apparatus500 designed to form barreling waves. The apparatus basically comprises achannel510 for containing a flow of water, the channel having aweir512 at its inlet end connected to a supply of water in areservoir514.Reservoir514 has a smooth radius throat section guiding water overweir512 and into thechannel510. River banks or entry/exit portions516 extend outwardly fromopposite side walls522 of thewave forming channel510 to theouter sides518 of the apparatus, which are spaced outwardly from the outer sides ofchannel510, as best illustrated inFIGS. 46 and 48. Theouter side walls518 may be eliminated in alternative embodiments. The river banks may be inclined downwardly at a small angle towards the trailing or exit end of the channel. Two barrelingwave forming foils540,542 are mounted in the channel in a generally V-shaped formation with an apex544 facing upstream. Thefoils540,542 face oppositeside walls522 of the channel at an oblique angle to the flow direction of water along the channel. Apart fromfoils540,542, the wave forming apparatus is similar to the apparatus described in my U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,629,803 and 6,932,541 and pending application Ser. No. 11/248,380 filed Oct. 11, 2005, and the contents of each of these documents are incorporated herein by reference.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 47 and 48, thechannel510 has afloor524 and the weir oralpha foil512 is formed in the floor at the inlet end of the channel so as to direct water fromreservoir514 into a flowing stream of relatively deep water alongchannel510, as described in my prior patents and application referenced above. One or more bed forms or beta foils525 for forming a standing wave may be located downstream ofalpha foil512 and oblique foils540,542, with a spoiler orsmall bump543 in the floor prior to secondary orbeta foil525, but this is not essential and no additional foils may be provided downstream of oblique or barreling wave forming foils in other embodiments. A grating526 or the like is provided at the outlet end of the channel in this embodiment, and water is returned via apassageway528 extending underfloor524 and pumped bypumps530 back into thereservoir514. In an alternative embodiment, water could be returned by running out of the channel into a river or pool.

Although a weir or alpha foil is used in the illustrated embodiments to direct a stream of water alongchannel510, in alternative embodiments the desired stream condition could be created with a tank and sluice gate or nozzle. Theopposite side walls522 of the channel may be straight, as illustrated, or may taper outwardly from the inlet end to the outlet end of the channel, and define a primary flow path for water through the channel.

Weir oralpha foil512 curves downwardly from its peak to thefloor524 of the channel. Oblique foils540,542 each have a base which is mounted in thefloor524 of the channel, a generally flat or slightly convex, inclined leadingface545, aventuri face546 extending from the leadingface545 and forming aventuri pass548 with theadjacent side wall522 of the channel, and arear face536. In the illustrated embodiment, each leadingface545 is at a sweep angle Φ of around 40 degrees to the direction of oncoming water flow in the channel, as best seen inFIG. 47.

Leadingface545 is also inclined at an adjustable vertical tilt or pitch angle α relative to thefloor524 of the channel, as seen inFIGS. 48A and 48B. The arrangement and shape of the barrelingwave forming foils540,542 is similar to the foils described in my application Ser. No. 11/550,239 filed Oct. 17, 2006 for a Barreling Wave Generating Device, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In that application, one or more oblique or barreling wave forming foils are formed in the floor of the channel or may be a modular component for securing in the floor of the channel as desired. As stated in the prior application, the barreling wave forming foil or foils may be built flush in the flat tail portion extending from thealpha foil512 and raised by means of actuators into the position shown in the drawings, or may be an inflatable device that can be raised and lowered. This allows the channel to be used to produce only a standing wave atbeta foil525, as described in my prior patents and pending application referenced above, or to be used to produce one or two standing barreling waves by raising one or both of the oblique foils540,542. In the prior application, foils540,542 positioned in a V-configuration were formed integrally or secured together atapex544. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 46 to 49, foils540,542 may be separate from one another to allow them to be adjusted independently, or may be secured together and adjusted with a single actuator.

In this embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 47 and 48, each barrelingwave forming foil540,542 is adjustably mounted in thefloor524 of the channel by a hinge or pivot580 at its leading edge which faces the oncoming water flow in the channel, and one or more hydraulic orpneumatic ram actuators582 or the like extends between an inner side of thefront face545 of the foil and a fixedbase part583 to allow thefront face545, or the entire foil, to be adjusted through a range of different pitch angles, including pitch angle α1 as illustrated inFIG. 48A and pitch angle α2 as illustrated inFIG. 48B. The adjustment can take place continuously so as to move a barreling wave across thefront face545, as described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, angle α1 is around 70 degrees while α2 is around 30 degrees. The angular range provided by the adjustment mechanism may be in the range from 0 to 90 degrees in alternative embodiments.FIG. 49 illustrates an alternative adjustment mechanism which allows theadjustable foil540 and542 to be retracted into a position substantially flush with thefloor524 of the channel. In this embodiment, a hydraulic orpneumatic actuator585 is pivoted at one end on apivot mount587 in thebottom wall586 of thepassageway528 beneath the floor of the channel and pivoted at the other end on an inner side of the front face orwall540 of the foil. The foil is retracted down through an opening in thefloor524 when the actuator is fully retracted, as seen inFIG. 49, and tilts up through the opening as the actuator is extended.

Theupper edge538 of eachfoil545 is convex or curved to reduce the risk of injury. The foil height in the illustrated embodiment is about equal to the height of theouter side walls518 and greater than the height ofchannel side walls522. This height difference is to ensure that at least part of a wave forming in the venturi pass is above the height of the channel walls, so that water can drain away from the venturi area and along theriver banks516 to avoid choking or backing up the flow. In one embodiment, the height of thechannel wall522 is around eleven inches below thepeak538 of the foil, and the channel wall height is around 30 inches. These dimensions are suitable for a 2.5 foot wave, but may be scaled up or down in alternative embodiments, depending on the overall size of the wave forming apparatus. The trailing orrear face536 is also generally flat and inclined downwardly.

Theventuri face546 starts off facing the opposingchannel side wall522 and has a convex curvature leading from the trailing end of the relatively flatleading face545, then curves rearwardly back towards trailing orrear face536 and downwardly towards the floor of the channel, as best illustrated inFIG. 46. Venturi face546 has a curved apex which is rounded for safety to avoid a sharp corner, and also helps to reduce turbulence in the water flowing around the apex. Theventuri pass548 is defined between the leading, convex end ofventuri face546 and the opposing channel side wall, as indicated inFIG. 47. The leading end offace546 is inclined away from the channel side wall in a direction upwardly from the floor at a “yaw” angle so that the venturi pass increases in width in a direction upwardly from the floor of the channel, as best illustrated inFIG. 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the yaw angle is around 30 degrees, but this angle may range from 90 degrees to 20 degrees in alternative embodiments, dependent on the desired width of the venturi pass.

In this apparatus, an initial smooth and streamlined flow of relatively deep water enters the channel atfoil512. In one embodiment, the water velocity at the inlet end of the channel is around 12 feet per second while the water depth is around 0.7 feet. In alternative embodiments, the velocity may be in the range of around 8 to 25 fps, and the water depth may be in the range from 0.5 to 3.5 feet. Part of the water in the left hand half of the channel as viewed inFIG. 48 rises up the leadingface545 and bends laterally towards theventuri pass548. The water moving over the leading face is of sufficient depth and velocity to support surfing maneuvers on various types of surfing equipment such as surfboards, bodyboards, and small kayaks known as playboats. At the same time, water moving towards theventuri face546 offoil540 or542 combines with deflected water from leadingface545 to create a standing barreling wave in front of the leading face and venturi face extending laterally into theventuri pass548. Riders can therefore ride in the barrel wave on a surfboard or bodyboard, where the apparatus is used as a water park attraction or ride. Alternatively, the apparatus on a smaller scale can be used for a visual or ornamental water feature (like a fountain) in parks, gardens, and other locations. The opposingchannel wall522 contains some of the water and allows some to spill onto theriver bank516 and run downstream to the grating or drain.

As described above, the leadingsurface545 of each foil in this embodiment is hinged about the leading edge viahinge580 at a pitch angle which can be varied by changing the extension ofactuator582. Theactuator582 can be a manual active adjuster that changes the pitch angle of the face, or may be adjusted automatically by a control system in order to vary the barreling wave formation in a desired manner. The effect of this angle change is to change the shape of the standing barreling wave. If the angle a is increased, the barreling area of the wave advances along the face of the foil, parallel to the hinge in a direction away from the venturi area. This produces the visual and functional effect of a naturally occurring ocean wave that is peeling as it travels. In this case it is a standing wave that peels across limited to the width of the stream. The effect is reversed by reducing the pitch angle. The rider has the advantage of a dynamic characteristic more closely simulating ocean surfing.

The practical angles of adjustment include the range from 0 (flat) to 90 (vertical) degrees. When flat, the foil is not functional, preventing any oblique wave from forming. As the angle increases, the stream redirected by the foil begins to interact with the foil and venturi to produce an oblique wave. At an optimum angle, which may be around 45 to 55 degrees, a hollow barreling section is formed. As the angle increases past optimum, for example in the range from around 55 degrees to 65 degrees, the barrel advances across the leadingface545 as described, until the wave ultimately collapses and the stream becomes overly obstructed by the foil face. As the angle is decreased from 65 degrees, the wave moves back in the opposite direction. By suitable control of the pitch angle, a barreling wave can be formed and caused to move back and forth across the barreling wave forming foil as a rider is surfing in the wave, producing a more natural effect and a longer ride.

The stream or flow rate of water arriving at the venturi pass is related to the size of the barreling wave formed at the pass. The faster the incoming rate, the bigger the wave. Theventuri pass548 and venturi face546 are shaped to impede the flow of water so that the barrel is supported by deeper water through the pass. If the pass is too constricted, the barrel wave drowns and collapses. If the pass is not restricted enough, the barrel is smaller or non-existent, although there is still a surfable wave face in front of thefoil540 or542. The venturi face is positioned close enough to thechannel side wall522 for the water flow to be impeded sufficiently to form a standing barreling wave. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the venturi pass at the floor of the channel is of the order of 37 inches and the overall channel width is around 20 feet. The venturi pass width is varied depending on the size of the channel and foil and the water stream rate characteristics. In general, the venturi pass width is approximately the same as the height of foil520, and the maximum height of the foil is approximately the same as the desired wave height.

On arriving at theventuri pass548, the water transitions from its initial shallower, higher speed condition ahead of leading edge ofventuri face545 to a substantially deeper stream above the venturi face and into the venturi pass. After pitching out and forming the barrel, the water lands primarily in the venturi pass area on top of the primary stream. This is a safety advantage, since riders can land in water. The primary stream serves to force the low energy water continuously through the venturi pass and overbeta foil525.

As noted above, the peak or top of the oblique foil is convex, and the peak and inclined downstream orrear face536 of the foil allow water to stream freely over the foil in this area. The foil peak and downstreamfoil trailing surface536 together allow a relatively smooth and safe transition for riders down into the downstream portion of the channel. Although the leading face of the foil has an abrupt or angled intersection with thefloor524 of the channel, as seen inFIG. 47, it may alternatively be smoothly blended into the floor at thepivot connection580 for a smooth, curved transition from floor to foil.

Theriver banks516 allow drainage around thefoils540,542 without allowing water to leave the outer containment walls, and also allow for entry and exit of the ride. The channel may alternatively be made wider and deeper, but this is not practical for entry and might require more water flow and expense to operate.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 48A and 48B, each barrelingwave forming foil540,542, or the front face of the foil, is designed to pivot through a selected range of angles of around 30 degrees to 70 degrees. In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 49, the entire foil is designed to pivot between a position flush with thefloor524 and a position in which the front face is at a desired maximum angle, which may be substantially vertical. In this case, sliding floor sections may be actuated to ensure that there are no gaps in the floor between the opening into which the foil retracts and the flush portions of the foil. In another alternative embodiment, the rigid, hinged foil withactuator582 may be replaced by an inflatable foil of similar shape when fully inflated, along with a pressurized fluid supply which supplies fluid such as pressurized gas or a liquid to the foil for inflation purposes, and the foil may be designed to be inflated in sections to provide different leading face pitch angles.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 46 to 48, two barrelingwave forming foils540,542 are provided in a V-configuration to produce barreling waves on each side of the channel. In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 50 and 51, only one barrelingwave forming foil540 is provided on one side of the channel. This foil is exactly the same as one of the foils in the previous embodiment and is adjustable in the same manner to vary the pitch angle of the leadingface545, and like reference numbers are used for like parts as appropriate. In this embodiment, thefoil540 and venturi pass take up half or less than half of the width of the channel. Another type of wave may be formed in the other half of the channel, such as a wave of the type formed by shaped bed forms in the channel, as described in my prior patents and application referenced above.

FIG. 52 illustrates another embodiment which is similar to that ofFIGS. 46 to 48 in that two barrelingwave forming foils550,552 are used, but the foils in this case are separate, with apass554 formed along the center of thechannel510 between the foils. This apparatus is otherwise identical to that of the previous embodiments, and like reference numbers have been used for like parts as appropriate. As inFIGS. 46 to 48, eachfoil550,552 has a generally flat, inclined leadingface545 and a rearwardlycurved venturi face546 leading from the trailing end of the leading face and defining aventuri pass548 between the leading edge offace546 and the opposingchannel side wall522. Also as in the previous embodiments, each barreling wave forming foil is adjustably mounted in the floor of the channel at its leading edge via a pivot mount and can be tilted up and down to vary the pitch angle and move the barreling wave across the face of the foil.

In each of the above embodiments, the barreling wave forming foils may be separate modules having bases adapted for mounting in the channel with suitable actuators for varying the pitch angle as desired, for example using anactuator582 as illustrated inFIGS. 48A and 48B or anactuator585 as illustrated inFIG. 49. They may be designed to tilt back flush into the floor of the channel and raised into position by actuators when a barreling wave action is desired, and they may be pivoted up and down through a range of pitch angles so as to vary or move the barreling wave. The foil or foils may be rigid devices as shown or may be hollow, inflatable devices that can be inflated or deflated as desired by a ride operator. If the latter, separate wedge-shaped sections may be pivoted at their vertices and inflated in sequence to produce different pitch angles.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 52 two separate standing barreling waves are formed, one at eachventuri pass548. Thepass554 between the foils inFIG. 52 improves stream conditions downstream and behind thefoils550,552 and also helps to separate riders if necessary.

FIG. 53 illustrates awave forming apparatus560 of another embodiment which has an oblique or barreling wave generating foil562 which extends across a larger portion of thechannel510 than in the previous embodiments. In this embodiment, a single barreling wave generating foil and venturi gap span the entire width of the channel, rather than only around half of the channel as in the previous embodiments, and the shape of the rear wall of the foil is modified. The remainder of the apparatus inFIG. 53 is the same as in the previous embodiments, and like reference numerals have been used for like parts as appropriate. As in the previous embodiments, the larger barrelingwave generating foil560 can be pivotally mounted in the floor of the channel at its forward edge so that the pitch angle of the leadingface564 can be adjusted throughout the barreling wave formation. This embodiment is more appropriate for a dedicated barreling wave machine, whereas the previous embodiments are appropriate for a channel in which a barreling wave is one of several water attractions or rideable waves.

As in the previous embodiments, foil562 is mounted in thefloor524 of the channel downstream of alpha foil orweir512. Foil562 extends from oneside wall522 across the channel at an oblique angle to the water flow direction. Foil562 has a generally flat, inclined leadingface564 and venturi face565 extending from the leading face, as in the previous embodiments. However, the trailing or rear face of the foil is modified. The trailing face is formed with a series ofsteps566 leading up to the peak568 of foil562. These steps can be used as a possible entry point for the ride.

The shapes and angles of the leading and venturi faces564,565 in this embodiment are the same as in the previous embodiments, with the leadingface564 inclined both to the flow direction and the floor of the channel. The venturi face is convex and the leading edge or portion forms aventuri pass570 with the adjacent, opposingside wall522 of the channel. Venturi face565 then curves back away from the side wall, as in the previous embodiments.

FIG. 53 schematically illustrates the water flow throughchannel510, as indicated by the darker lines. As can be seen, water flowing on the right hand side of the channel as viewed fromalpha foil512 flows up and over the leadingface564 of the foil. Water moving towards theventuri face565 of foil562 in the left hand part of the channel combines with deflected water from leadingface564 to create a standingbarreling wave572 in front of the venturi face extending laterally into theventuri pass570.FIG. 53 illustratessurfer574 riding in the wave. The opposingchannel wall522 contains some of the water and allows some to spill onto theriver bank516 and run downstream to the grating or drain. Water also spills off the leading face of the foil onto theother river bank516. Alternatively, the channel wall on this side could be raised to prevent spilling, or the foil could be extended widthwise over the inner channel side wall and onto the river bank to prevent water spilling on this side. Adjustment of the pitch angle of leadingface564 moves thebarreling wave572 back and forth acrossface564 to produce a more natural appearance and ride.FIGS. 54 and 55 schematically illustrate the different positions of thebarreling wave572 when the angle offace564 is adjusted.FIG. 54 illustrates the location of barrelingwave572 when theface564 is at an angle of around 55 degrees, whileFIG. 55 illustrates that thewave572 has moved acrossface64 to the right when the angle is increased to around 70 degrees. The dark arrows represent the water flow.

FIGS. 56 to 59 illustrate another embodiment of awave forming apparatus800 designed to form barreling waves. The apparatus basically comprises achannel810 for containing a flow of water, the channel having aweir812 at its inlet end connected to a supply of water in areservoir814.Reservoir814 has a smooth radius throat section guiding water overweir812 and into thechannel810. River banks or entry/exit portions816 extend outwardly fromopposite side walls822 of thewave forming channel810 to theouter sides818 of the apparatus, which are spaced outwardly from the outer sides ofchannel810, as best illustrated inFIGS. 56 and 58. Theouter side walls818 may be eliminated in alternative embodiments. The river banks may be inclined downwardly at a small angle towards the trailing or exit end of the channel. A barrelingwave forming foil820 is mounted in the channel facing oneside wall822 of the channel at an oblique angle to the flow direction of water along the channel. Apart fromfoil820, the wave forming apparatus is similar to the apparatus described in my U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,629,803 and 6,932,541 and application Ser. No. 11/248,380 filed Oct. 11, 2005, and the contents of each of these documents are incorporated herein by reference.

As best illustrated inFIG. 57, thechannel810 has afloor824 and the weir oralpha foil812 is formed in the floor at the inlet end of the channel so as to direct water fromreservoir814 into a flowing stream of relatively deep water alongchannel810, as described in my prior patents and application referenced above. One or more bed forms or beta foils825 for forming a standing wave may be located downstream ofalpha foil812 andoblique foil820, but this is not essential and no additional foils may be provided downstream of oblique or barrelingwave forming foil820 in other embodiments. A grating826 or the like is provided at the outlet end of the channel in this embodiment, and water is returned via apassageway828 extending underfloor824 and pumped bypumps830 back into thereservoir814. In an alternative embodiment, water could be returned by running out of the channel into a river or pool.

Although a weir or alpha foil is used in the illustrated embodiments to direct a stream of water alongchannel810, in alternative embodiments the desired stream condition could be created with a tank and sluice gate or nozzle. Theopposite side walls822 of the channel may be straight, as illustrated, or may taper outwardly from the inlet end to the outlet end of the channel, and define a primary flow path for water through the channel.

Weir oralpha foil812 curves downwardly from its peak to thefloor824 of the channel. The oblique or barrelingwave forming foil820 may be formed in the floor of the channel or may be a modular component for securing in the floor of the channel as desired. It may be built flush in the flat tail portion extending from thealpha foil812 and raised by means of actuators into the position shown in the drawings, or may be an inflatable device that can be raised and lowered. This allows the channel to be used to produce only a standing wave atbeta foil825, as described in my prior patents and pending application referenced above, or to be used to produce standing barreling waves by raising theoblique foil820.

Oblique foil820 has abase831 for mounting in thefloor824 of the channel, a generally flat or slightly convex, inclined leadingface832, aventuri face834 extending from the leadingface832 and forming aventuri pass835 with theadjacent side wall822 of the channel, and arear face836. In the illustrated embodiment, the leadingface832 is at a sweep angle Φ of around 40 degrees to the direction of oncoming water flow in the channel, as best seen inFIG. 56. Angle Φ may be in the range from 10 degrees to 70 degrees in alternative embodiments. Leadingface832 is also inclined at a vertical tilt or pitch angle Θ, as seen inFIG. 57. In the illustrated embodiment, angle Θ is 35 degrees from vertical, but may be in the range from 25 to 70 degrees in alternative embodiments. Theupper edge838 of the foil is convex or curved to reduce the risk of injury. The foil height in the illustrated embodiment is about equal to the height of theouter side walls818 and greater than the height ofchannel side walls822. This height difference is to ensure that at least part of a wave forming in the venturi pass is above the height of the channel walls, so that water can drain away from the venturi area and along theriver banks816 to avoid choking or backing up the flow. In one embodiment, the height of thechannel wall822 is around eleven inches below thepeak838 of the foil, and the channel wall height is around 30 inches. These dimensions are suitable for a 2.5 foot wave, but may be scaled up or down in alternative embodiments, depending on the overall size of the wave forming apparatus. The trailing orrear face836 is also generally flat and inclined downwardly.

Theventuri face834 starts off facing the opposingchannel side wall822 and has a convex curvature leading from the trailing end of the relatively flatleading face832, then curves rearwardly back towards trailing orrear face836 and downwardly towards the floor of the channel, as best illustrated inFIG. 58. The curved apex of the venturi face is rounded for safety to avoid a sharp corner, and also helps to reduce turbulence in the water flowing around the apex. Theventuri pass835 is defined between the leading, convex end ofventuri face834 and the opposing channel side wall. The leading end offace834 is inclined away from the channel side wall at a “yaw” angle α so that the venturi pass increases in width in a direction upwardly from the floor of the channel, as best illustrated inFIG. 59. In the illustrated embodiment, yaw angle α is around 31 degrees, but this angle may range from 90 degrees to 20 degrees in alternative embodiments, dependent on the desired width of the venturi pass.

In this apparatus, an initial smooth and streamlined flow of relatively deep water enters the channel atfoil812. In one embodiment, the water velocity at the inlet end of the channel is around 12 feet per second while the water depth is around 0.7 feet. In alternative embodiments, the velocity may be in the range of around 8 to 25 fps, and the water depth may be in the range from 0.5 to 3.5 feet. Part of the water in the left hand half of the channel as viewed inFIG. 58 rises up the leadingface832 and bends laterally towards theventuri pass835. The water moving over the leading face is of sufficient depth and velocity to support surfing maneuvers on various types of surfing equipment such as surfboards, bodyboards, and small kayaks known as playboats. At the same time, water moving towards theventuri face834 offoil820 combines with deflected water from leadingface832 to create a standing barreling wave in front of the venturi face extending laterally into theventuri pass835. Riders can therefore ride in the barrel wave on a surfboard or bodyboard, where the apparatus is used as a water park attraction or ride. Alternatively, the apparatus on a smaller scale can be used for a visual or ornamental water feature (like a fountain) in parks, gardens, and other locations. The opposingchannel wall822 contains some of the water and allows some to spill onto theriver bank816 and run downstream to the grating or drain.

The stream or flow rate of water arriving at the venturi pass is related to the size of the barreling wave formed at the pass. The faster the incoming rate, the bigger the wave. Theventuri pass835 and venturi face834 are shaped to impede the flow of water so that the barrel is supported by deeper water through the pass. If the pass is too constricted, the barrel wave drowns and collapses. If the pass is not restricted enough, the barrel is smaller or non-existent, although there is still a surfable wave face in front of thefoil820. The venturi face is positioned close enough to thechannel side wall822 for the water flow to be impeded sufficiently to form a standing barreling wave. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the venturi pass at the floor of the channel is of the order of 37 inches and the overall channel width is around 20 feet. The venturi pass width is varied depending on the size of the channel and foil and the water stream rate characteristics. In general, the venturi pass width is approximately the same as the height offoil820, and the maximum height of the foil is approximately the same as the desired wave height.

On arriving at theventuri pass835, the water transitions from its initial shallower, higher speed condition ahead of leading edge ofventuri face834 to a substantially deeper stream above the venturi face and into the venturi pass. After pitching out and forming the barrel, the water lands primarily in the venturi pass area on top of the primary stream. This is a safety advantage, since riders can land in water. The primary stream serves to force the low energy water continuously through the venturi pass and overbeta foil825.

As noted above, the peak or top of theoblique foil820 is convex, and the peak and inclined downstream orrear face836 of the foil allow water to stream freely over the foil in this area. The foil peak and downstreamfoil trailing surface836 together allow a relatively smooth and safe transition for riders down into the downstream portion of the channel. Although the leading face of the foil has an abrupt or angled intersection with thefloor831 of the channel, as seen inFIG. 57, it may alternatively be smoothly blended into the floor for a smooth, curved transition from floor to foil.

Theriver banks816 allow drainage around thefoil820 without allowing water to leave the outer containment walls, and also allow for entry and exit of the ride. The channel may alternatively be made wider and deeper, but this is not practical for entry and might require more water flow and expense to operate.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 56 to 59, the barreling wave forming foil and venturi pass take up half or less than half of the width of the channel. Another type of wave may be formed in the other half of the channel, such as a wave of the type formed by shaped bed forms in the channel, as described in my prior patents and application referenced above. Alternatively, a second barreling wave forming foil may be mounted in the other half of the channel, as described below in connection withFIGS. 60 and 61.

FIG. 60 illustrates a modified embodiment where thesingle oblique foil820 ofFIGS. 56 to 59 is replaced with twooblique foils840,842 in a V-shaped arrangement, with the apex844 of the V facing upstream and located approximately at the center of the channel. The apparatus in this embodiment is otherwise the same as the previous embodiment, and like reference numbers have been used for like parts as appropriate. In this embodiment, two barreling waves are formed on opposite sides of the channel, as described in more detail below.

Oblique foils840,842 may be formed integrally as indicated inFIG. 60, or may be formed separately and then suitably attached together at their apex. As in the previous embodiment, each foil has an oblique, generally flat, inclined leadingface845 and a rearwardlycurved venturi face846 defining aventuri pass848 between the leading edge offace846 and the opposingside wall822 of the channel. The shape and dimensions of each foil is substantially the same as that of thefoil820 ofFIGS. 56 to 59, except that thesecond foil842 is a mirror image of the first. In this apparatus, two standing barreling waves are formed, one in each venturi pass, allowing two riders to ride the waves simultaneously.

FIG. 61 illustrates another embodiment which is similar to that ofFIG. 60 in that two barrelingwave forming foils850,852 are used, but the foils in this case are separate, with apass854 formed along the center of thechannel810 between the foils. This apparatus is otherwise identical to that of the previous embodiments, and like reference numbers have been used for like parts as appropriate. As inFIG. 60, eachfoil850,852 has a generally flat, inclined leadingface845 and a rearwardlycurved venturi face846 leading from the trailing end of the leading face and defining aventuri pass848 between the leading edge offace846 and the opposingchannel side wall822.

In each of the above embodiments, the barreling wave forming foils can be formed integrally in the floor of the channel or may be separate modules having bases adapted for mounting in the channel as desired. They may be built flush in the floor of the channel and raised into position by actuators when a barreling wave action is desired. Alternatively, they may be inflatable devices that can be inflated or deflated as desired by a ride operator.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 61, as in the previous embodiment, two separate standing barreling waves are formed, one at eachventuri pass848. Thepass854 between the foils inFIG. 61 improves stream conditions downstream and behind thefoils850,852 and also helps to separate riders if necessary.

FIGS. 62 and 63 illustrate awave forming apparatus860 of another embodiment which has an oblique or barrelingwave generating foil862 which extends across a larger portion of thechannel810 than in the previous embodiments. In this embodiment, a single barreling wave generating foil and venturi gap span the entire width of the channel, rather than only around half of the channel as in the previous embodiments, and the shape of the rear wall of the channel is modified. The remainder of the apparatus inFIGS. 62 and 63 is the same as in the previous embodiments, and like reference numerals have been used for like parts as appropriate. This embodiment is more appropriate for a dedicated barreling wave machine, whereas the previous embodiments are appropriate for a channel in which a barreling wave is one of several water attractions or rideable waves.

As in the previous embodiments,foil862 is mounted in thefloor824 of the channel downstream of alpha foil orweir812.Foil862 extends from oneside wall822 across the channel at an oblique angle to the water flow direction.Foil862 has a generally flat, inclined leadingface864 and venturi face865 extending from the leading face, as in the previous embodiments. However, the trailing or rear face of the foil is modified. The trailing face is formed with a series ofsteps866 leading up to thepeak868 offoil862. These steps can be used as a possible entry point for the ride.

The shapes and angles of the leading and venturi faces864,865 in this embodiment are the same as in the previous embodiments, with the leadingface864 inclined both to the flow direction and the floor of the channel. The venturi face is convex and the leading edge or portion forms aventuri pass870 with the adjacent, opposingside wall822 of the channel. Venturi face865 then curves back away from the side wall, as in the previous embodiments.

FIG. 62 schematically illustrates the water flow throughchannel810, as indicated by the darker lines. As can be seen, water flowing on the right hand side of the channel as viewed fromalpha foil812 flows up and over the leadingface864 of the foil. Water moving towards theventuri face865 offoil862 in the left hand part of the channel combines with deflected water from leadingface864 to create a standingbarreling wave872 in front of the venturi face extending laterally into theventuri pass870.FIG. 62 illustratessurfer874 riding in the wave. The opposingchannel wall822 contains some of the water and allows some to spill onto theriver bank816 and run downstream to the grating or drain. Water will also spill off the leading face of the foil onto theother river bank816. Alternatively, the channel wall on this side could be raised to prevent spilling, or the foil could be extended widthwise over the inner channel side wall and onto the river bank to prevent water spilling on this side.

The apparatus illustrated in each of the above embodiments may be scaled up or down depending on the type of water attraction desired. At a smaller scale it is suitable for inner tubing rather than surfing, and at an even smaller scale it may be used for a visual, fountain-like water feature rather than a ride. Larger scales of the apparatus may be used for surfing sports parks and events.

The outer side walls in any of the above embodiments could be eliminated so that water could flow off opposite sides of the apparatus, for example into an adjacent pool or river. In this case, the adjacent pool or river may be at or close to the same elevation as the river bank.

The standing barrel wave created by the above embodiments is like a river wave created at a narrows. The venturi gap simulates a narrows, with the shape of the leading face and venturi face of the barrel wave forming foil enhancing the formation of the standing wave. The tilting away of the leading end of the venturi face from the channel wall provides a bottom contour at which water piles up on top of the foil in a controlled way. The venturi pass dimensions together with the design of the venturi face impedes water flow and supports the barrel through the pass. The deflection of some of the water flow by the oblique angle and shape of the leading face of the foil creates streamlines with a lateral velocity component towards the venturi gap which collide with streamlines flowing substantially downstream into the venturi pass zone, creating a wave shaped face and a barreling section in the venturi pass. Adjustment of the angle of the leading face causes the barreling wave to move across the face and this can take place while a rider is riding in the barrel. At the same time, excess water is allowed to spill out onto the adjacent river bank and run downstream.

The combination of the oblique foil shape and opposing channel side wall together form a standing barrel wave which is like a river wave formed at a narrows. The part of the water stream which flows into the leading face of the oblique foil tends to rise up the tilted face and bend laterally towards the venturi pass. The part of the water stream which moves towards and up the venturi face and into the venturi pass combines with the deflected water from the leading face of the oblique foil, the two streams of water together forming a barreling wave in front of the venturi face and extending laterally into the venturi pass. After pitching out and forming the barrel, the water lands primarily in the venturi pass area on top of the primary stream of water through the pass.

By locating the barreling wave generating foil upstream of a spoiler and bed form designed to create a standing wave, two or more different waves may be created in the channel under some flow conditions, or the barreling wave forming foil or foils may be retracted into the floor when only a standing wave is desired. Where there are two separate barreling wave forming foils, only one may be deployed so that a barreling wave is formed in one half of the channel with a standing wave downstream extending across at least the other half of the channel. Alternatively, both foils may be deployed simultaneously or alternately, and may be at different angles to create different barreling wave effects. This allows for a number of different wave variations to increase participants' interest in the ride.

Now modular bedforms/foils/weirs and water smotheners for use in wave forming apparatus will be discussed.FIGS. 64,65, 66, 67, 70, 71, 72A and 74 illustrate a first example embodiment of an improvedwave forming apparatus1100 designed to form barreling waves. Anapparatus1100 may comprise an outer housing1127 having a water supply orreservoir1114 at one end andchannels1128 extending from thereservoir1114 to the opposite or exit end of the ride for containing a flow of water. As best illustrated inFIG. 65, channel(s)1128 may have at least one base orlower wall1135. Water is re-circulated from the exit end of the ride alongchannels1128 back to thereservoir1114, under the action of one or more pumps1130. Except as otherwise provided herein, an examplewave forming apparatus1100 may be similar to the apparatus described with respect toFIGS. 39-41 in application Ser. No.11/958,785 filed Dec.18,2007, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Optional river banks or entry/exit portions1116 may extend outwardly fromopposite side walls1122 of thewave forming channel1110 to theouter sides1118 of the apparatus, which may be spaced outwardly from the outer sides ofchannel1110, as illustrated for example inFIG. 74. Theouter side walls1118 in any of the above embodiments could be eliminated so that water could flow off opposite sides of the apparatus, for example into an adjacent pool or river. In that case, the adjacent pool or river may be at or close to the same elevation as the river bank. Side river banks orbeaches16 may extend outwardly from opposite sides of thechannel1110 to provide for ride entry and exit. These may be completely horizontal in the transverse direction, or have a slight downward slope, rather than being inclined upwardly, as illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 41, respectively, of my U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/958,785 filed Dec.18,2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Regardless of the transverse angle of theside beaches1116, each beach may have a slight downward slope in the longitudinal direction from the inlet end or reservoir end to the exit end, as illustrated inFIGS. 64, 65 and 72A. The slope may be sufficient to allow water to drain, so that wave control is maintained. The slope of theside beaches1116 may be around 2.5%, but a slope of 1% is sufficient in most cases. Theside beaches1116 may also include drains for providing a secondary flow path for the water to drain intochannels1128, as indicated inFIG. 65. Not only doriver banks1116 allow drainage around thefoil1140 while containing water withinouter containment walls1118, they also facilitate entry and exit of the ride. A drainage-capable river bank16 may only be needed on the side ofapparatus1100 adjacent theventuri1148, where the large barrel wave tends to form. However,example apparatus1100 is adapted to locate theoblique foil1140, and thus theventure1148, on either side of thechannel1110. Accordingly,example apparatus1100 includes drainage-capable river banks1116 on both sides of thechannel1110, as shown inFIG. 74. In one embodiment thechannel1110 is sixteen feet wide between thewalls1122, while theriver banks1116 are each an additional four feet wide. Thechannel1110 may alternatively be made wider and deeper, but this might not be practical for entry and might require more water flow and expense to operate.

A weir bed form orfirst bed form1112 may be formed at the exit from thereservoir1114, and at least one additional bed form, such as one or more aerofoils or foils1140, one ormore spoilers1143, and/or a secondary orbeta foil1125, may be spaced downstream from theweir bed form1112, as shown inFIG. 74. Theexample bed forms1112,1140,1143 and1125 of this embodiment may be of hollow construction, and may have vents for providing additional flow paths for the water to drain intochannels1128. The bed forms may alternatively be of solid or any other appropriate construction.Weir bed form1112 may have a peak at its leading end and then slope downwardly, for instance at a one or two percent decline, to an extended, generally flat or horizontal floor1124, with anoptional spoiler1143 located at the trailing end of floor1124. The secondary orbeta foil1125 may have an upwardly inclined upstream face extending into an extended flattail drain section1126. Extended flattail drain section1126 may comprise an upwardly inclined exit grating or beach that extends from the end of thechannel1110 toward the end of the housing1127. Water draining through the grating1126 may be returned to thechannels1128 and flow back to thereservoir14.

In addition to the bed forms described above, one or more barrelingwave forming foils1140 may be mounted in thechannel1110 in, for instance, a generally oblique formation with a leadingface1145 facing upstream. As shown with respect to one embodiment depicted inFIGS. 64,65, 66, 67, 70, 71, 72A and 74, afoil1140 may faceopposite side walls1122 of thechannel1110 at an oblique angle to the flow direction of water along thechannel1110.

As best illustrated inFIG. 74, thechannel1110 may have a base or lower wall1124 and the weir oralpha foil12 is formed in the base wall at the inlet end of thechannel1110 so as to direct water fromreservoir1114 into a flowing stream of relatively deep water alongchannel1110, as described in my prior patents and application referenced above. One or more beta foils1125 for forming a standing wave may be located downstream ofalpha foil1112 andoblique foil1140, with a spoiler orsmall bump1143 in the floor prior to secondary orbeta foil1125, but this is not essential and no additional foils may be provided downstream of oblique or barreling wave forming foils in other embodiments. A grating1126 or the like is provided at the outlet end of the channel in this embodiment, and water is returned via apassageway1128 extending under floor1124 and pumped bypumps1130 back into thereservoir1114. In an alternative embodiment, water could be returned by running out of the channel into a river or pool.

Although a weir oralpha foil1112 is used in the illustrated embodiments to direct a stream of water alongchannel1110, in alternative embodiments the desired stream condition could be created with a tank and sluice gate or nozzle. Theopposite side walls1122 of the channel may be straight, as illustrated, or may taper outwardly from the inlet end to the outlet end of the channel, and define a primary flow path for water through the channel, as described in my prior patents and application referenced above.

While bed form shapes have been permanently formed into the profile of channels, according to the present invention bed forms may also comprise separate modular components that can be removably secured in the channel in various locations and positions as desired. For instance, the weir bed forms may be separately constructed modular components adapted to be attached to, removed from, repositioned in and reoriented in channel. While any appropriate fastening or restraint means may be used, in one embodiment an array of fastener couplings may be provided under removable covers recessed in the floor and/or side walls of channel corresponding to potentially desirable locations and positions of one or more of the bed forms. The bed forms can then be removably attached to the floor and/or side walls with corresponding removable fasteners, such as threaded fasteners. Alternatively, modular bed forms can be removably attached to actuators or other mechanisms adapted to adjust the position or shape of the bed forms during or between uses of the apparatus as discussed in my prior applications incorporated herein.

By way of example,FIGS. 72A, 72B and 72C depict three different applications utilizing a modular bed form. InFIG.72A apparatus1100 is shown with modular foil s140 and1143 attached to the floor of the channel at a first oblique angle and abutting left-side wall.FIG. 72B depictsapparatus1200, which isapparatus1100 withmodular foil1140 optionally removed from channel.FIG. 72C showsapparatus1300, which isapparatus1100 withmodular foil1140′ attached to the floor of the channel at a second oblique angle and abutting right-side wall. It is understood that modularity of bed forms permits not only addition, removal, replacement and repositioning of bed forms as shown inFIGS. 72A-72C, but also stacking and/or intermixing of bed forms to create, for instance, longer or shorter foils, weirs and spoilers, as well as differently-sized and shaped foils, weirs and spoilers, among other options that would become apparent to one of skill in the art. Modular bed forms may be rigid devices or may be hollow, inflatable devices that can be inflated or deflated as desired by a ride operator.

In addition to themodular foils1140,1140′, any other bed forms may also be modular. For example,FIG. 73 depictsapparatus1200 further modified by optionally removingfoil1143 fromlocation1143′.Foil1143 may optionally be replaced atlocation1143′ or a different modular feature may be placed atlocation1143′, orfoil1143 may be moved or reoriented at some other location in the channel.

In theexample apparatus1100 shown inFIG. 74, obliquely-orientedmodular foil1140 has a base which is removably and adjustably mounted in the base1124 of the channel, as well as a generally flat or slightly convex inclined leadingface1145, aventuri face1146 extending from the leadingface1145 and forming aventuri pass1148 with theadjacent side wall1122 of the channel, and arear face1136. In the illustrated embodiment, each leadingface1145 is oriented at a sweep angle Φ of around 40 degrees to the direction of oncoming water flow in the channel, as best seen inFIG. 74. Leadingface1145 is also inclined at a vertical tilt or pitch angle α, relative to the floor1124 of the channel, as seen inFIGS. 3A and 3B application Ser. No. 12/356,666 filed Jan. 21, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The arrangement and shape of the barreling wave formingmodular foil1140 may be similar to the foils described in my prior patents and application referenced above.

Theupper edge1138 of eachfoil1140 may be convex or curved to reduce the risk of injury. The foil height in the illustrated embodiment may be about equal to the height of theouter side walls1118 and greater than the height ofchannel side walls1122. This height difference helps ensure that at least part of a wave forming in theventuri pass1148 is above the height of thechannel walls1122, so that water can drain away from theventuri area1148 and along theriver banks1116 to avoid choking or backing up the flow. In one embodiment, the height of thechannel wall1122 is around eleven inches below thepeak1138 of themodular foil1140, and the channel wall height is around 30 inches. These dimensions are suitable for a 2.5 foot wave, but may be scaled up or down in alternative embodiments, depending on the overall size of the wave forming apparatus. The trailing orrear face1136 is also generally flat and inclined downwardly.

Theventuri face1146 may start off facing the opposingchannel side wall1122 and have a convex curvature leading from the trailing end of the relatively flatleading face1145, then curve rearwardly back towards trailing orrear face1136 and downwardly towards the base of the channel, as shown in the example inFIG. 74. Venturi face1146 may have a curved apex that is rounded for safety to avoid a sharp corner, and also to help reduce turbulence in the water flowing around the apex. Theoptional venturi pass1148 is defined between the leading, convex end of venturi facell46 and the opposing channel side wall, as indicated inFIG. 74. The leading end offace1146 may be inclined away from the channel side wall in a direction upwardly from the floor at a “yaw” angle so that the venturi pass increases in width in a direction upwardly from the base of the channel, as shown inFIG. 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the yaw angle is around 30 degrees, but this angle may range from 90 degrees to 20 degrees in alternative embodiments, dependent on the desired width of the venturi pass, which can be adjusted by moving or repositioningmodular foil1140 or adding or subtracting modules of whichmodular foil40 is comprised.

As noted above, the peak or top1138 of themodular foil1140 may be convex, such that the peak and inclined downstream orrear face1136 of the foil allow water to stream freely over the foil in this area. Thefoil peak1138 and downstreamfoil trailing surface1136 together may allow a relatively smooth and safe transition for riders down into the downstream portion of thechannel1110. Although the leading face of themodular foil1140 may have an abrupt or angled intersection with the floor1124 of thechannel1110, as seen inFIG. 74, the geometry may alternatively be smoothly blended into the floor for a smooth, curved transition from floor to foil.

FIG. 8 of application Ser. No. 12/356,666 filed Jan. 21, 2009 and incorporated herein, schematically illustrates the water flow through asimilar channel10, as indicated by the darker lines, and asurfer74 riding in the wave. With reference to that figure, water flowing on the right hand side of the channel as viewed fromalpha foil12 flows up and over the leadingface64 of the foil. Water moving towards theventuri face65 offoil62 in the left hand part of the channel combines with deflected water from leadingface64 to create a standingbarreling wave72 in front of the venturi face extending laterally into theventuri pass70. To provide a favorable surfing or wave riding experience for the user and to maintain a well-formed barrel or tube-shaped wave, it is desirable for the water flow through thechannel10 up to the breaking of the wave to be smooth and laminar—“glassy” if possible, not turbulent. However, by their very nature pumps30 create pressure variations and pulsations in thereservoir14, which result in turbulent eddy currents in the water that, if not remedied, will flow fromreservoir14 into thechannel10 creating choppy, turbulent water and a resultant poor surfing/wave-riding experience. The occurrence ofturbulent eddy currents1199 is depicted in presentFIGS. 66, 68 and 70.

To partially address this turbulence issue, anapparatus1100 may include one or more smoothradius throat sections1111 guiding water overoptional weir1112 and into thechannel1110, which tends to have somewhat of a water smoothening effect, as best illustrated inFIG. 71. However, significant eddy currents and resulting turbulence can still pass fromreservoir1114 through the relatively large opening ofthroat sections1111 into thechannel1110. To further smoothen the water flow into thechannel1110, afirst water smoothener1400 may be provided covering the entry ofthroat sections1111 such that the water flowing fromreservoir1114 intothroat sections1111 must first pass throughsmoothener1400, as shown inFIGS. 66, 68 and 71.Water smoothener1400 may comprise any array, matrix, or other assemblage of a plurality of apertures dimensioned to cause water flowing through the apertures to become more laminar. An example smoothener with square apertures is shown in part inFIG. 69B; however, smootheners with round or other shaped apertures can also be used. In one embodiment the square root of the cross sectional area of each aperture is equal to half the distance of the length of each tube or cell (i.e., the depth or thickness of each aperture). Where the apertures are squares, the depth of each tube or cell may be twice the length of one side of the square. In one embodiment the apertures are 2″ per side and the depth of the aperture is approximately 4″.

To provide still smoother water to thechannel1110, an additionalsecond water smoothener1500 may optionally be added, as shown inFIGS. 65, 67 and 70. For maximum effectiveness in the embodiment shown in these figures, all the water that reachessmoothener1400 should first pass throughsmoothener1500. Asecond smoothener1500 can be especially helpful where the direction of water flow is being changed. Turns in flowing water, especially turns approaching ninety-degree or right turns, tend to cause additional eddy currents and turbulence in the water. It has been found that these turn-induced eddy currents can be lessened by placing multiple smootheners at different points through the turn, such that the smootheners may not be parallel to each other but rather are at an angle with respect to each other. For example, in the embodiments of theapparatus1100 shown herein, the water may be recirculated essentially in a loop, as best shown inFIG. 65, in which case the water must make several ninety-degree turns. Specifically in these example embodiments, thepumps1130 are vertical oriented as that design can be easier and less expensive to manufacture, install, operate and maintain, and can provide lower water speeds than horizontally oriented pumps, which eases the challenge of smoothening the water flow. But in the present example embodiments, water exiting the vertically orientedpumps1130 must make a ninety degree turn withinreservoir1114 before enteringthroat sections1111 and flowing out into thechannel1110. Accordingly, adding asecond water smoothener 1500 toapparatus 1100, as shown inFIGS. 65, 67 and 70, and positioning thatsecond water smoothener1500 part-way through the turn, not parallel to thefirst water smoothener1400 but at an angle thereto (in this case, at a forty-five degree angle), substantially reduces turbulence in the water flowing into thechannel1110. Note thatwater smootheners1400,1500 may be physically attached in one assembly, but if so they still constitute multiple water smootheners for purposes of this specification if individual arrays of apertures are oriented at an angle to one another as described herein.

In these example apparatus, an initial smooth and streamlined flow of relatively deep water enters thechannel1110 atfoil1112. In one embodiment, the water velocity at the inlet end of the channel is around 12 feet per second while the water depth is around 0.7 feet. In alternative embodiments, the velocity may be in the range of around 8 to 25 fps, and the water depth may be in the range from 0.5 to 3.5 feet. Part of the water in the left hand half of the channel1110 (left hand from the perspective of facing the oncoming flow of water) as viewed in FIG. 65 rises up the leadingface1145 and bends laterally towards theventuri pass1148. The water moving in a substantially laminar manner over the leadingface1145 is of sufficient depth and velocity to support surfing maneuvers on various types of surfing equipment such as surfboards, bodyboards, and small kayaks known as playboats. At the same time, water moving towards theventuri face1146 offoil1140 combines with deflected water from leadingface1145 to create a standing barreling wave in front of the leading face and venturi face extending laterally into theventuri pass1148. Riders can therefore ride in the barrel wave on a surfboard or bodyboard, where the apparatus is used as a water park attraction or ride. Alternatively, the apparatus on a smaller scale can be used for a visual or ornamental water feature (like a fountain) in parks, gardens, and other locations. The opposingchannel wall1122 receives some of the water with some spilling onto theriver bank1116 and/or running downstream to the grating ordrain1126, and then draining intopassageway1128 extending under floor1124 where the water is then pumped bypumps1130 back into thereservoir1114, and optionally throughsmootheners1400 and/or1500 to start the cycle over again.

The stream or flow rate of water arriving at the venturi pass is related to the size of the barreling wave formed at the pass. The faster the incoming rate, the bigger the wave. Theventuri pass1148 andventuri face1146 are shaped to impede the flow of water so that the barrel is supported by deeper water through the pass. If the pass is too constricted, the barrel wave drowns and collapses. If the pass is not restricted enough, the barrel is smaller or non-existent, although there is still a surfable wave face in front of thefoil1140. The venturi face is positioned close enough to thechannel side wall1122 for the water flow to be impeded sufficiently to form a standing barreling wave. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the venturi pass at the base of the channel is of the order of 37 inches and the overall channel width is around 20 feet. The venturi pass width is varied depending on the size of the channel and foil and the water stream rate characteristics. In general, the venturi pass width is approximately the same as the height of foil1120, and the maximum height of the foil is approximately the same as the desired wave height.

On arriving at theventuri pass1148, the water transitions from its initial shallower, higher speed condition ahead of leading edge ofventuri face1145 to a substantially deeper stream above the venturi face and into the venturi pass. After pitching out and forming the barrel, the water lands primarily in the venturi pass area on top of the primary stream. This is a safety advantage, since riders can land in water. The primary stream serves to force the low energy water continuously through the venturi pass and overbeta foil1125.

The standing barrel wave created by the above embodiments is like a river wave created at a narrows. Theventuri gap1148 simulates a narrows, with the shape of the leadingface1145 andventuri face1146 of the barrelwave forming foil1140 enhancing the formation of the standing wave. The tilting away of the leading end of theventuri face1146 from thechannel wall1122 provides a bottom contour at which water piles up on top of the foil in a controlled way. The dimensions of theventuri pass1148 together with the design of theventuri face46 impedes water flow and supports the barrel through thepass1148. The deflection of some of the water flow by the oblique angle and shape of the leadingface1145 of thefoil1140 creates streamlines with a lateral velocity component towards theventuri gap1148 that collide with streamlines flowing substantially downstream into the venturi pass zone, creating a wave shaped face and a barreling section in theventuri pass1148. Adjustment of the angle of the leadingface1145 causes the barreling wave to move across theface1145. At the same time, excess water is allowed to spill out onto theadjacent river bank1116 and run downstream.

By locating the barrelingwave generating foil1140 upstream of aspoiler1143 andbed form1125 designed to create a standing wave, two or more different waves may be created in thechannel1110 under some flow conditions, or the barreling wave forming foil or foils1140 may be removed from the floor1124 when only a standing wave is desired. Where there are two separate barreling wave forming foils, only one may be deployed so that a barreling wave is formed in one half of the channel with a standing wave downstream extending across at least the other half of the channel. Alternatively,multiple foils1140 may be deployed simultaneously or alternately, and may be at different angles to create different barreling wave effects. This allows for a number of different wave variations to increase participants' interest in the ride. To perform well, however, the water flowing through the channel into the waves must be laminar with minimized eddy currents, which can be achieved at least in part with the system of one or more water smootheners disclosed herein.

FIGS. 75, 76, and 77 illustrate an example embodiment of an improvedwave forming apparatus2100 designed to form barreling waves. Anapparatus2100 may comprise awave forming channel2110 for containing a flow of water. Except as otherwise provided herein, an examplewave forming apparatus2100 may be similar to the apparatus described with respect toFIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9A and 11 in application Ser. Nos. 12/700,036 and 12/700,042, both filed Feb. 4, 2010, and/or may be similar toFIGS. 39-41 in pending application Ser. No. 11/958,785 filed Dec. 18, 2007, all of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.

A bed form, such as one or more barrelingwave forming foils2105 may be mounted in thechannel2110 at, for instance, an oblique angle to the flow direction of water along thechannel2110, as shown inFIG. 75. Theexample bed form2105 of this embodiment may be of hollow construction entirely or in part, and may include additional features not shown, such as vents for providing additional flow paths for the water, as described in various applications incorporated herein by reference. Bed forms may alternatively be of solid or any other appropriate construction.

As best illustrated inFIG. 76, the exterior profile of a bed form, such as one or more barrelingwave forming foils2105, may be provided with abase section2210 adjacent to thewave forming channel2110, the exterior profile of thebase section2210 defining a first, non-abrupt angle to the direction of flow of water in thewave forming channel2110. In some embodiments the first angle is, for example, less than forty-five degrees (i.e., the first angle is the included angle between the exterior profile of thebase section2210 and the floor of the water forming channel2110). Thebase section2210 may extend upward and transition to an upper section2205 at a second, steeper angle to the direction of water flow. In some embodiments the second angle is, for example, greater than thirty degrees (i.e., the second angle is the included angle between the exterior profile of the upper section2205 and the floor of the water forming channel2110). The exterior profiles of thebase section2210 and/or the upper section2205 may define at least in part nominally flat panels. Nominally flat panels may not be perfectly flat due to manufacturing and assembly variations. Thebase section2210 and/or the upper section2205 may be formed on one or more leading sides of the bed form (i.e., the side(s) facing toward the oncoming flow of water), and/or on one or more trailing sides of the bed form (i.e., the side(s) facing away from the oncoming flow of water). Alternatively, as in the example shown inFIG. 76, abase section2210 and an upper section2205 may be formed on all sides of thebed form2105 that interface with thewave forming channel2110.

FIG. 77 shows a cross-section of an example bed form, namely a barrelingwave forming foil2105, including abase section2210 with an exterior profile defining a first, non-abrupt angle to the direction of flow of water in thewave forming channel2110, where thebase section2210 transitions to an upper section2205 that forms an exterior profile defining a second, steeper angle to the direction of water flow (that direction being generally from left to right, or right to left, in the orientation shown inFIG. 77). In the example shown inFIG. 77, thebase section2210 is formed from a first structure and the upper section2205 is formed from a second structure connected to the first structure. The first structure may be permanently connected to the second structure, for instance by welding, or may be removably connected to the second structure, for instance by fasteners (not shown). In the example embodiment shown inFIG. 77, the bed form, a barrelingwave forming foil2105, is at least approximately symmetrical about a central vertical axis. In other embodiments, the bed form may be non-symmetrical about a central vertical axis, such that the leading and trailing sides of the bed form havebase sections2210 with exterior profiles that define different included angles to thewave forming channel2110, and/or such that the leading and trailing sides of the bed form have upper sections2205 with exterior profiles that define different included angles to thewave forming channel2110.

In other embodiments, bed forms may be provided with additional sections with exterior profiles that define additional angles to thewave forming channel2110, for instance three sections with three increasingly steep angles (not shown). Providing a bed form with multiple sections that define an exterior profile that increases in steepness as it rises above thewave forming channel2110 tends to allow the water in thewave forming channel2110 to flow better by limiting the amount of water backup near the base of the bed form, because the water meets the bed form at a gentler angle. This tends to generate smoother water and a better wave. Additionally, multi-angle designs incorporating substantially flat sections are typically substantially easier and less expensive to construct than concave or otherwise rounded sections.

Bed forms, such as a barrelingwave forming foil2105, may be permanently connected to thewave forming channel2110, for instance by welding, or may be removably connected to thewave forming channel2110, for instance by fasteners or a fastener system, an example of which is described in the following section.

While bed form shapes have historically been permanently formed into the profile of thewave forming channel2110, the present inventor has invented bed forms that may also comprise separate modular components that can be removably secured in thechannel2110 in various locations and positions as desired, as described in prior applications incorporated herein. For instance, one or more barrelingwave forming foils2105 may each be separately constructed modular components adapted to be attached to, removed from, repositioned in and reoriented inchannel2110. While any appropriate fastening or restraint means may be used, an example fastener system specially adapted to removably attach a bed form to a wave forming apparatus is described below.

FIG. 77 shows anexample fastener system2400, shown in greater detail inFIGS. 78A, 78B, 78C, 78D, 79 and 80.System2400 may include a first oblong, elongated, or otherwise non-round through-hole2405 formed in abottom surface2411 of a bed form, such as thebase section2210 of a barrelingwave forming foil2105. In certain embodiments, thesystem2400 may further include a second oblong, elongated, or otherwise non-round through-hole2115 formed in thechannel2110. In the example shown in the above figures, holes2405 and2115 are adapted to match in size, orientation and location upon mounting the bed form into thechannel2110. Alternatively, thehole2115 in thechannel2110 may be a smaller size and/or a different shape thanhole2405, for instance to prevent a fastener placed intohole2405 from falling throughhole2115.

In the example shown in the above figures, holes2405 and2115 are adapted to accept atwistlock fastener2600, as shown inFIGS. 78C, 78D, 79 and 80. In the example shown inFIG. 80, atwistlock fastener2600 includes a longitudinally-extendingmain body2605 having a top portion and a bottom portion and an oblong, elongated, or otherwise non-round cross-section adapted to fit in but not rotate within correspondingly sized and shapedholes2405 and2115. Rotationally attached to the top portion of themain body2605 is atop locking member2610, and rotationally attached to the bottom portion of themain body2605 is abottom locking member2615. Top andbottom locking members2610,2615 may be rotationally attached to themain body2605 by any suitable means, for example by rotation-permitting members2620, which may include, for instance, a screw, a bolt, a rivet, or a shaft having a head or other means for retaining thelocking members2610,2615 to themain body2605, such as a retaining clip (not shown). Thetwistlock fastener2600 may be formed from any suitable material, such as stainless steel.

In the example shown in the above figures, thetwistlock fastener2600 may be installed inholes2405 and2115 when the top and/orbottom locking members2610,615 are rotationally aligned with themain body2605. As shown inFIG. 80, such alignment would be achieved by rotating said pieces until dashedlines2625 were aligned.FIG. 78C shows anexample twistlock fastener2600 installed inholes2405 and2115 with the lockingmembers2610,2615 rotationally aligned with themain body2605. Rotating lockingmembers2610,2615 relative to themain body2605, which is rotationally trapped withinholes2405,2115, locks thetwistlock fastener2600 in place, as shown inFIGS. 78D and 79. Specifically, whenbottom locking member2615 is rotated (for instance approximately 45 to 135 degrees, such as forinstance 90 degrees) relative to themain body2605 as shown inFIG. 80, then any attempt to movetwistlock fastener2600 upwards (i.e., towards the bed form2105) will cause thebottom locking member2615 to push upward against thebottom surface2111 of thechannel2110. Likewise, whentop locking member2610 is rotated (for instance approximately 45 to 135 degrees, such as forinstance 90 degrees) relative to themain body2605 as shown inFIG. 80, then any attempt to movetwistlock fastener2600 downwards (i.e., towards the channel2110) will cause thetop locking member2610 to push downward against anupper surface2411 of thebed form2105. Accordingly, once theexample twistlock fastener2600 is installed inholes2405 and2115 with the lockingmembers2610,2615 rotated with respect to themain body2605, as shown inFIGS. 78D and 79, then thebed form2105 will be securely fastened to thechannel2110, preventing both vertical and lateral relative movement between thebed form2105 and thechannel2110. Unfastening thebed form2105 from thechannel2110 is achieved by simply rotationally realigning either the top and/orbottom locking members2610,2615 with themain body2605, such that dashedline segments2625 would be aligned, and removing thetwistlock fastener2600 from theholes2405,2115, after which thebed form2105 may be lifted off and/or moved on thechannel2110. Thefastener system2400 described herein may be used to connect a bed form or similar feature to any portion of achannel2110, including the bed or floor, and/or the walls thereof. The foregoingsystem2400 is quick and easy for a user to manipulate and may be adapted for use by hand without tools. Thefastener system2400 may be located in recessed areas of abed form2105, as shown most clearly inFIGS. 78A and 79, in some embodiments under removable covers (not shown).

The above described improvements may be incorporated in a wave forming apparatus that uses multiple chambers such as those described in patent application Ser. Nos. 13/603,223, 13/411,520 and 13/740,419, all by the present inventor, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This disclosure uses the terminology weir, bed form and foil to describe guide devices that guide the flow of water to produce a wave. Apparatus as described in each of the above embodiments may be scaled up or down depending on the type of water attraction desired. At a smaller scale it is suitable for inner tubing rather than surfing, and at an even smaller scale it may be used for a visual, fountain-like water feature rather than a ride. Larger scales of the apparatus may be used for surfing sports parks and events.

The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly limited by nothing other than the appended claims.

Claims (26)

The invention claimed is:

1. A wave forming apparatus for producing a rideable barreling wave, comprising:

a wave forming channel which contains a flow of water, the channel comprising:

a floor, side walls, an inlet end and an exit end; and

a wave guide comprising;

a pivot or hinge connected to the floor;

a surface having a leading edge connected to the pivot or hinge and an edge opposite to the leading edge and the opposite edge is not connected to the channel floor, the surface forming a pitch angle with the channel floor; and

an actuator connected to the surface adapted to adjust the pitch angle;

a pump adapted to pump water into the inlet end of the channel, over the leading edge and over the wave guide, wherein the pump, during operation, is adapted to produce a water level in the channel sufficient to enable the formation of the rideable barreling wave;

wherein the opposite edge rotates about the pivot by the pitch angel adjustment;

a passageway connected to the pump with an opening downstream of the wave guide, the passageway constructed to deliver water through the opening in a direction that is not parallel to the flow of water in the channel, said delivery assisting in the formation of the rideable barreling wave.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further adapted to change the characteristics of the wave when the pitch angle is changed.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the surface is generally flat to slightly convex.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the floor defines an opening, and the wave guide is disposed at least partially within that opening, and a portion of the actuator is beneath the floor.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the pitch angle is zero when the surface is generally flush with the floor.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the pitch angle is between 0 and 90 degrees.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising an inclined ramp connected to the floor proximate the inlet end, the inclined ramp having an elevated portion that is higher than the floor, the elevated portion connected with the pump, the inclined ramp adapted to discharge the water into the channel.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a conduit connected to the pump and connected to the exit end, and

wherein the channel comprises an overflow at the exit end adapted to allow water to flow from the channel into the conduit, the position of the overflow regulating the water level in the channel.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the pump is oriented in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the channel floor.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the wave guide comprises a plurality of wave guides.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the pump comprises a plurality of pumps.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a structure at the exit end, the structure adapted to cause the water to back up into the channel, enhancing the formation of the rideable barreling wave.

13. A wave forming apparatus for producing a rideable barreling wave, comprising:

a wave forming channel which contains a flow of water, the chnnel comprising:

a floor, side walls, an inlet end and an exit end; and

a wave guide comprising;

a pivot or hinge connected to the floor;

a surface having a leading edge connected to the pivot or hinge, the surface forming a pitch angle with the channel floor; and

an actuator connected to the surface adapted to adjust the pitch angle;

a pump adapted to pump water into the inlet end of the channel, over the leading edge, and over the wave guide, wherein the pump, during operation, is adapted to produce a water level in the channel sufficient to enable the formation of the rideable barreling wave;

a passageway adapted to return water from the exit end to the pump; wherein a portion of the actuator is disposed of in the passageway; and

a secondary passageway connected to the pump with an opening downstream of the wave guide, the secondary passageway constructed to deliver water through the opening in a direction that is not parallel to the flow of water in the channel, said delivery assisting in the formation of the rideable barreling wave.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the passageway comprises a passageway floor and the actuator is fixed to the passageway floor.

15. A wave forming apparatus for producing a wave, comprising:

a wave forming channel which contains a flow of water, the channel comprising:

a floor, side walls, an inlet end and an exit end; and

a wave guide comprising;

a pivot or hinge connected to the floor;

a surface having a leading edge connected to the pivot or hinge, the surface forming a pitch angle with the channel floor; and

an actuator connected to the surface adapted to adjust the pitch angle;

a pump adapted to pump water into the inlet end of the channel and over the wave guide, wherein the pump, during operation, is adapted to produce a water level in the channel sufficient to enable the formation of the rideable wave;

a passageway adapted to return water from the exit end to the pump; wherein a portion of the actuator is disposed of in the passageway; and

wherein the passageway comprises a passageway floor and the actuator is fixed to the passageway floor.

16. An artificial surfing facility for producing a standing wave comprising:

a return channel;

a wave pool, an inclined ramp, a lower end of which discharges into the wave pool;

a flow section connected at an outlet end thereof to an upper end of the ramp;

at least one pump connected to an inlet end of the flow section by means of which water is conveyed from the return channel to the flow section;

at least one adjustable guide device in the wave pool at a distance downstream from the lower end of the ramp;

an overflow via which water is able to flow back from the wave pool into the return channel;

wherein the wave pool is positioned higher than the return channel;

wherein the at least one pump unit, during operation, being adapted to produce a liquid level in the wave pool sufficient to produce a defined resistance to water flowing down the ramp which will enable formation of the standing wave at the at least one adjustable guide device by a change of the flow velocity of the water.

17. The surfing facility of claim 16, wherein the flow section has side walls which are positioned to produce a narrowing of the flow width of the water in a direction to the lower end of the ramp.

18. The surfing facility of claim 16, wherein the at least one guide device comprises a plurality of adjacent guide devices extending widthwise of the wave pool.

19. The surfing facility of claim 16, wherein the guide devices are guide profiles which have a front edge which is directed opposite a direction of water flow and which are supported to pivot around a pivot bearing located at a downstream end of the profiles.

20. The surfing facility of claim 19, wherein an adjusting mechanism is provided for pivoting the profiles around the pivot bearing so as to adjust an angle of incidence of the profiles relative to the water flow.

21. The surfing facility of claim 19, wherein the profiles are supported in a manner enabling free floating of the front edge thereof at least in a predefined pivoting region.

22. The surfing facility of claim 18, wherein the guide profiles are located at different positions relative to each other in a lengthwise direction of the wave pool.

23. The surfing facility of claim 16, wherein the overflow is located in the rear wall of the wave pool.

24. The surfing facility of claim 16, wherein the adjustable guide device comprising:

a pivot or hinge connected to a floor of the wave pool;

a surface having a leading edge connected to the pivot or hinge and an edge opposite to the leading edge and the opposite edge is not connected to the wave pool floor, the surface forming a pitch angle with the wave pool floor; and

an actuator connected to the surface adapted to adjust the pitch angle.

25. The surfing facility of claim 16, wherein the wave pool is positioned above the return channel.

26. An artificial surfing facility for producing a standing wave comprising:

a return channel;

a wave pool, an inclined ramp, a lower end of which discharges into the wave pool;

a flow section connected at an outlet end thereof to an upper end of the ramp;

at least one pump connected to an inlet end of the flow section by means of which water is conveyed from the return channel to the flow section;

at least one adjustable guide device in the wave pool at a distance downstream from the lower end of the ramp; an overflow via which water is able to flow back from the wave pool into the return channel;

wherein the at least one pump unit, during operation, being adapted to produce a liquid level in the wave pool sufficient to produce a defined resistance to water flowing down the ramp which will enable formation of the standing wave at the at least one adjustable guide device by a change of the flow velocity of the water.

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