GB1233960A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1,233,960. Subaqueous structures. CLAIROL Inc. 18 Oct., 1968, No. 49670/68. Heading E1H. [Also in Division A4] An apparatus for creating waves, suitable for surfing, on the surface of a body of water comprises a pool A with a floor 10 sloping upwardly in the downstream direction, and at one end a beach 11, and at the other a resercoir B, the reservoir being separated from the pool area by a dividing wall 18. The wall 18 has an aperture below normal quiescent water level, the aperture being normally closed by a gate 23. Water is pumped into the reservoir so that a head of water is maintained, and then the gate 23 quickly opened for a short time. On meeting a deflector 20 the discharged water is directed forwardly and upwardly to create a wave. Conduits 33 channel water back into the reservoir via pump (37), Fig. 3 (not shown) and conduit 38 at a rate substantially equal to to the average rate at which it is expelled. The gate 23 may be raised rapidly by means of fluid cylinders 27 operated by a fluid compressor 28. In modifications, Figs. 6, 7 the deflector may form a lower part of the wall 18, below the aperture, so that again the discharged water is deflected upwardly. The gate may be of interlocking sections, each of which may be raised independantly. A gate which may be withdrawn laterally, and a sectioned gate, each section rotating about its vertical axis, to create an obliquely advancing wave are also discharged. Various methods of raising the gate are also disclosed including a hydraulic cylinder, an electromechanical plunger and a rack and pinion mechanism.