MXPA02005833A - Wave pool construction - Google Patents

Abstract

A wave pool (1) is provided suitable for modifying the characteristics of waves propagating therethrough, the wave pool (1) including at least one waterway (2) having opposing first and second ends (3, 4);opposing first and second side walls (5, 6) extending along at least a portion of the waterway (2);and a waterway floor extending between the side walls (5, 6);wherein the side walls mutually converge towards the second end of the waterway. Also provided is a wave pool (1), wherein the waterway floor includes a first floor surface (14) oriented so as to have a predetermined slope, wherein in use, the nominal depth of water contained within the waterway of the wave pool is greater towards the second side wall. The wave pool (1) may also include a second floor surface (13) adjacent to and mutually exclusive to the first floor surface (14) and located towards the first end (3) of the waterway.

Description

BUILDING OF POOL OF WAVES TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a pool (pool) of waves and to a method for directing and modifying the waves in a pool. It is desired that throughout the following description and in the appended claims, the term "bottom of the waterway" means, and consequently so interpreted, as the surface that defines the bed of the waterway.

- BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Wave pools have been developed and widely used to simulate, at least to a certain degree, the conditions of a beach or simply provide wave patterns within the pool environment. These provide conditions for * surfing (surfing on the waves) and entertainment where, on the other hand, there is no appropriate beach within an acceptable distance, and wave pools can generate constant waves without affecting the conditions climatic conditions, in addition that the characteristics of waves can be controlled with an appropriate design of the wave pool REF 139583 ^? ^^^ Hij ^^^? Jyj ^^ Wave pools adapted to provide a convenient wave for surfing generally include a wave generator at one end of the pool and an artificial reef along the portion of the pool. bottom of the pool to cause the waves to break in such a way that they are convenient for surfing. The reef can be placed at an angle in front of the wave, allowing the waves to progressively break along the reef line. Currently, a problem with some wave pools is that the waves tend to bow or distort differently, with the wave front near the center of the pool, which precedes the wave front near the sides. This can result in a reduction in wave height and cause reflections that interfere with and degrade the quality of the waves. In addition, in use, the wave height may decay along the pool due to energy losses from breakage and friction, and the pool walls constantly act as a source of reflected wave interference. Another problem with the wave pools to date is that the waves can also reflect off the reef, causing interference patterns in the pool. These reflections can be reflected again from the pool walls thus creating more interference patterns. This abundance of reflections tends to degrade the quality of waves for surfing. "Another potential problem with wave pools is due to the presence of wave-induced circulation, which creates currents within the pool. The wave generator can tend to take users in the path of the next surfing practitioners, potentially creating a serious safety problem and interfering with the quality of waves for surfing. towards the generator of waves, make it more difficult for users to leave the pool, and in fact be trapped in an area of rough waters.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a wave pool that exhibits waves for high quality surfing, that is safe to use and provides an improved aquatic environment or at least that provides the public with a convenient option. It is an additional or alternative objective of the present invention to overcome or at least mitigate current problems in wave pools and / or methods for producing, directing and / or transforming waves, or at least providing the public with a convenient option.

Other objects of the present invention may become apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a wave pool suitable for modifying the characteristics of the waves that propagate along it, the wave pool includes: - at least one navigable road which has a first and second opposite ends; - a first and second opposite side walls that extend along at least a portion of the navigable route; and - a bottom of the navigable route that extends between the side walls; wherein the side walls converge mutually towards the second end of the navigable route. Preferably, the first end of the waterway may include a wall located and oriented to intersect the first and second side walls at an opposite and substantially equal angle. Preferably, the first end of the waterway may include a wave generation means.

Preferably, the first and second side walls can converge at an angle between 5 to 45 degrees of the parallel. Preferably, the first and second side walls can converge at an angle of approximately 15 degrees. Preferably, the first and second side walls may include a wave damping means adapted to absorb or dissipate wave energy. Preferably, the wave damping means may include an irregular surface. Preferably, the wave damping means may include a series of elements filled with water or porous spaces adapted to absorb wave energy. Preferably, the wave damping means can be located behind a cage. Preferably, the wave damping means may extend above and below a nominal water level of the navigable route to an extent dependent on the expected wave height, propagated through the navigable route. Preferably, the bottom profile of the waterway may include a first bottom surface oriented to have a predetermined slope, where in use, the nominal depth of water contained within the navigable waterway of the wave pool is greater toward the second side wall. Preferably, the downward direction of the first bottom surface is substantially perpendicular to the first side wall of the wave pool. Preferably, the first bottom surface has a substantially constant gradient. Preferably, the first bottom surface can have a gradient between 1: 5 to 1:50 inclusive. Preferably, a beginner wave pool can have a first bottom surface with a gradient between 1:20 and 1:50 inclusive. Preferably, a pool for intermediate or advanced wave practitioners can have a first bottom surface with a gradient between 1: 5 to 1:20 inclusive. Preferably, the bottom profile of the waterway may include a second bottom surface oriented to have another predetermined slope, where in use, the nominal depth of water contained within the waterway is greater towards the first end of the waterway. navigable road Preferably, the downward direction of the second bottom surface may be substantially perpendicular to the first end of the waterway. Preferably, the second bottom surface may occupy a portion of the bottom of the waterway substantially close to the first end of the waterway. Preferably, the second bottom surface may be separated from the first end of the waterway by means of a channel located therethrough, which in use, has a substantially constant depth. Preferably, the first and second bottom surfaces can form the mutually adjacent and exclusive portions of the bottom of the waterway, such that they define a boundary between the first and second bottom surfaces, wherein the first bottom surface is extends from the boundary to the second end of the waterway and the second bottom surface extends from the boundary to the first end of the waterway and wherein the boundary between the first and second bottom surfaces can be located substantially toward the first end of the waterway in relation to the second end of the same. Preferably, the gradient of the second bottom surface can be selected as the gradient maximum that maintains the characteristics of predetermined waves, which include the crest shape and / or front slope of waves required. Preferably, the second bottom surface can have a gradient of at least twice the gradient of the first bottom surface. Preferably, the gradient of the second sloping bottom surface can be at least four times the gradient of the first bottom surface. Preferably, one or more artificial reefs are included in the waterway and are located, dimensioned and oriented to improve the form of waves produced in the waterway. Preferably, the second end of the waterway includes a progressive rise at the bottom of the waterway, which in use, creates a water pool that extends away from the first end of the waterway and generally in the direction of the second side wall . Preferably, the wave pool can additionally include an external channel having a first end in fluid communication with the waterway to receive water from the second end thereof in use, and a second end in fluid communication with the rail navigable to expel the water substantially at the first end thereof. tm Aml * A -Í? j »á * éi.

Preferably, the wave pool may include a pump for circulating water through the external channel from the first to the second end. Preferably, the external channel can extend substantially around the periphery of the waterway, and includes the pump for circulating the water around the external channel. Preferably, the second end of the waterway may have a sufficient height above the bottom of the waterway to contain a required depth of liquid within the waterway thus allowing the waves to fall at least over a portion of the second end of the waterway. navigable way in the external channel. Preferably, the second end of the waterway may include a bottom surface that substantially has a gradient between 1: 1 and 1: 8 inclusive. Preferably, the bottom surface having a gradient of 1: 1 to 1: 8, can be located between the first bottom surface and the portion of the second end of the waterway that defines a water pool. According to another as of the present invention, a wave pool suitable for modifying the wave characteristics that propagate through it is provided, the wave pool includes: - at least one waterway having a first and second opposite ends; - first and second side walls extending along at least a portion of the waterway; and - a bottom of the waterway that extends between the side walls; wherein the waterway includes a first bottom surface oriented to have a predetermined slope, where in use, the nominal depth of water contained within the waterway of the wave pool is greater toward the second side wall. Preferably, the downward direction of the first bottom surface can be substantially perpendicular to the first side wall of the wave pool. Preferably, the first bottom surface can have a substantially constant gradient. Preferably, the first bottom surface can have a gradient between 1: 5 to 1:50 inclusive. Preferably, the beginner wave pool can have a first bottom surface with a gradient between 1:20 and 1:50 inclusive. Preferably, a wave pool for intermediate or advanced practitioners may have a first bottom surface with a gradient between 1: 5 to 1:20 inclusive. Preferably, the bottom profile of the waterway may include a second bottom surface oriented to have a further predetermined slope, where in use, the nominal depth of water contained within the waterway is greater towards the first end of the waterway. the waterway. Preferably, the downward direction of the second bottom surface may be substantially perpendicular to the first end of the waterway. Preferably, the second bottom surface may occupy a portion of the bottom of the waterway substantially close to the first end of the waterway. Preferably, the second bottom surface can be separated from the first end of the waterway by means of a channel located therethrough where the channel in use has a substantially constant depth. Preferably, the first and second bottom surfaces can form adjacent and mutually exclusive portions of the bottom of the waterway, such that they define a boundary between the first and second bottom surfaces, wherein the first bottom surface it extends from the boundary to the second end of the waterway and the second bottom surface extends from the boundary to the first end of the waterway, and where the boundary between the first and second bottom surfaces can be substantially located towards the first end of the waterway in relation to the second end of the same. Preferably, the gradient of the second bottom surface can be selected as the maximum gradient that maintains the predetermined characteristics of waves, which include the wave shape and wave slope required. Preferably, the second bottom surface can have a gradient at least twice the gradient of the first bottom surface. Preferably, the gradient of the second sloping bottom surface can be at least four times the gradient of the first bottom surface. Preferably, one or more artificial reefs can be included in the waterway and be located, dimensioned and oriented to improve the form of waves produced in the waterway. Preferably, the second end of the waterway can be defined by a progressive rise in the bottom of the waterway, which in use, creates a pool of water that extends far from the first end of the waterway and generally in the direction of the second side wall. Other aspects of the present invention may become apparent from the following description, provided only by way of example and in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1: shows a schematic representation of a flat view of the wave pool according to an aspect of the present invention. Figures 2A, 2B and 2C: each shows a sectioned view of the wave pool along lines A to C respectively in Figure 1. Figures 3A, 3B and 3C: show a sectional view of the pool of waves along the lines D to F respectively in Figure 1. Figure 4: shows an instantaneous image of simulated results of a wave pool according to the present invention. i ^ iA * .- ^? ¿. * m * dmjU í ^ ¿? utítJ Í BRY DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES OF THE INVENTION. Referring first to Figure 1, a plan view of a wave pool, generally referred to as 1, is shown according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The wave pool 1 includes a waterway 2, with the first and second end portions opposite 3 and 4, respectively. The waterway 2 is confined to the opposite side walls 5 and 6, which are preferably substantially vertical. The side walls 5 and 6 converge towards a point distant from the wave generating means 7 and towards the cape 12 and pool area 4B. The angle of convergence can be varied to optimize the wave characteristics. Converging the walls 5 and 6, the wave crest can be compressed in the first slope portion 14 of the bottom of the waterway 2 (see below), which allows a rising wave height. However, if walls 5 and 6 converge too quickly, internal wave reflections can degrade wave quality. The damping of waves on walls 5 and / or 6 can help reduce these reflections. The optimum angle of convergence, defined by the angle? in Figure 1, of the side walls 5 and 6, depends on the required characteristics of the waves. However, a convergence value between 5 and 45 degrees inclusive can be used, with an angle of approximately 15 degrees, found convenient in the simulated results for a generated wave length of 31.5 m. The angle of convergence of the walls 5, 6 is at least determined in part by the required "release angle" of the wave The "release angle" dictates the speed at which the wave breaking segment travels through the front of the wave part still without breaking. Wave pools for advanced surfers may have a higher convergence value to form a 'fast wave', while beginner pools may have a lower convergence value. both side walls 5, 6 to reduce reflections within the waterway 2. Various wave energy absorbing and dissipating devices are known in the art, any one or a combination of which can be used. Wave damping may include an irregular surface such as a series of porous spaces or a series of water-filled elements, filled under pressure to provide the most effective action of wave damping. waves is located behind a cage (not shown) along the walls 5 and / or 6, and extends along all or most of the side walls 5 and / or 6. The dotted lines within the waterway 2 and the pool area 4B indicate constant depth lines, referred to as 20. It will be appreciated that the depth of the wave pool 1 can be chosen substantially arbitrarily depending on the specific requirements for the wave pool 1. However, it has been found that a pool depth of between two to four meters is effective for most purposes. A wave generation means 7 can be placed in the end portion 3 of the waterway 2. The wave generation means 7 can be integral with the end portion 3 and can be an oscillating arrangement of the plunger type or incorporate other types of wave generation devices that may be known in the art such as a pneumatic oscillating pressure box, an oscillating vacuum pneumatic pressure drawer, or an elevated water tower with flood gates. It will be appreciated that by means of the oscillating end portion 3, a series of movable wave fronts is created on the waterway 2 traveling to the second end 4 (in this case a beach or shallow area). The end portion 3 is preferably a A flat wall that intersects the side walls 5 and 6 at a substantially equal but opposite angle, whereby the base of an isosceles triangle is defined. The end portion 4 in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 includes a progressive reduction in the depth of the navigable waterway 2. It will be appreciated that the end portion 4 may be of any suitable convenient shape for containing the liquid within the waterway 2 or at least controlling the amount of spillage out of the waterway 2 over the end portion 4. The end portion 4 may for example include a substantially vertical wall that confines the water within the waterway 2, or may comprise a progressive ascent at the bottom of the waterway 2. The preferred embodiment is to have a progressive climb designed to minimize the wave reflections of the end portion 4 and maximize the amount of water traveling on the end portion 4 by the action of waves in use (see below). The end portion 4 is also provided to reproduce a beach-like area and a number of different profiles may be convenient depending on the required characteristics of the water on the end portion 4. A preferred form of the end portion 4 is shown in Figure 1. The end portion 4 includes a X "z bottom surface, generally referred to as 4A, having a gradient of 1: 1 to 1: 8 depending on the required wave characteristics at the end portion 4 such as the ridge shape and if a slope or spill is required The intended effect of the bottom surface 4A is to cause a localized breakup of waves.Thus, this part of the end portion 4 can be used by the body of surfing practitioners and independent visitors of the surfing practitioners. "using the waterway 2. The bottom surface 4A is fed from a pool area 4 B. The pool area 4B extends away from the waterway 2 toward the deepest side of the latter. also having an increasing width and curved bottom contours to refract the waves around the pool area 4B.Therefore, the pool area 4B can be used for recreational swimming as the wave height is greatly reduced measure in this area. In addition, a ledge 8 may be provided to provide a sheltered 4C swimming area with little wave activity. Therefore, the characteristics of the end portion 4 must be designed in such a way that the waves of waterway 2 do not continue through the end portion 4. This avoids the safety problems associated with JiiAfat - ***** - * - ***** allow surfers to travel in the same area as recreational swimmers. According to a key characteristic of the invention, the bottom of the navigable waterway 2 between the side walls 5 and 6 includes a first slope portion generally indicated by the number 14, creating a reef wall with a fixed or nominal depth that is greater towards the side 6 than the side 5. This first slope portion 14 preferably has a downward or downward direction that is substantially perpendicular to the side wall 5, such that lines of constant depth 20 parallel to the side wall are created. 5 as shown in Figure 1. The first slope portion 14, in combination with a second slope portion described below, creates a bottom profile of waterway 2 that simulates a reef-like structure. Variations in the exact orientation of the slopes with respect to the side walls may be possible depending on the specific requirements for the wave pool, such as the shape and direction of waves. These variations are considered to be within the scope of the invention. In addition, the gradient of the slope portion 14 (and the second slope portion 13 described below) may vary along and / or through the poolhowever, a uniform gradient in both directions is preferred. Artificial reefs can also be used on waterway 2 to improve wave characteristics. Using prototypes at scale and computer modeling (for further details see the description below with reference to the accompanying Figure 4) it has been found that a siicant advantage of the wave pool 1 attributed to the first slope portion 14, is that the wave crest of the waves generated is generally confined to be approximately equal to the width of the opening at the narrow end of the navigable waterway 2. This tends to reduce wave reflections in the side walls 5 and 6, whereby avoids degradation in wave quality and energy requirements to produce waves in the wave pool 1 are minimized. A second advantage of including the first slope portion 14 is that the wave height along the length of waterway 2 remains generally relatively uniform. This is in contrast to pools that have a uniform depth with parallel rather than converging sides, where the wave reflections of any of the reef inserts can lead to a mix of constant and progressive oscillations in the wave pool 1, causing that the wave height pattern varies throughout the pool, thus causing a Corresponding degradation in wave quality. The converging walls 5, 6 compensate for the loss of wave height due to breakage since the crest of waves is confined to a shorter space between the walls as the waves travel along the wave pool 1. Another advantage of including the first slope portion 14 is that the refraction of waves due to the gradient at the bottom of the navigable waterway 2 may cause the wave to be compressed against the first slope portion 14. The amount of compression is related to the gradient of the first portion on slope 14. It will be appreciated that the gradient may need to be varied to optimize the waveform and thus meet a particular set of requirements. It has been discovered in simulations that a gradient of approximately 1:40 creates a high-quality wave suitable for practicing w surfing "in a wave pool with the side walls 5 and 6 converging at 15 degrees relative to the parallel. gradient, the height of the waves can be increased up to 40% of the height generated, however, it will be appreciated that the optimum gradient may vary depending on the shape of the pool, the height / width ratio, the depth of the waterway 2 and the frequency of the generated waves In addition, the reef inserts can be used to govern if the wave is of right breaking or left breaking.

P 22 the bottom of waterway 2 may have a slope to the right or left. The bottom of waterway 2 may include a second slope portion indicated generally at 13, resulting in a nominal or fixed depth of water that increases toward end 3 of waterway 2. The second slope 13 has a descending line substantially perpendicular to the first end 3 of the waterway 2. The bottom portion of the waterway 2 incorporating the second slope is preferably confined to a portion proximate the wave generation means 7 as shown for example in the Figure 1. An S3 channel is included adjacent to the wave generation means 7. Channel S3 preferably has a constant depth and length, and extends through the waterway 2. Channel S3 aids in wave generation as well as Provides the required volume of water in which wave disturbance can be transmitted, so wave disturbance can begin to move as fast as possible. along the waterway 2 before finding the sloping portions of the bottom of the waterway 2. This allows the waves to take shape before encountering the potentially distorting effects of the second slope portion 13. When an existing pool must be modified to form wave pool 1, channel S3 is can form through the bottom of the original pool 1 and through an insert placed in the bottom of the pool to form the required profile of the bottom of the waterway. However, if the wave generating means 7 is designed to complement the wave pool 1, the need for the S3 channel can be avoided or at least its length reduced. For example, the wave generation means 7 can be located in the depth around the midpoint of the end 3 to reduce the required ascent of the second slope portion 13. Computer simulations of the wave characteristics are preferably used to optimize the relationship between the wave generation means and the wave pool 1. The optimum solution will depend on the type of wave generation means 7 used, as well as the shape of the wave pool 1 and the bottom of the waterway 2. Alternatively, if a high quality wave generating means 7 is used, the wave can almost immediately take the shape required after traveling from the wave generating means 7. As the length of the S3 channel is reduced, still maintaining the characteristics of required waves, the waves required in the wave pool 1 prevail for a longer time, thus increasing the travel time. Normally, for a means of generating incomparable waves 3 and wave pool 1, the length of channel S3 is between 5 to 15 meters and & 24 depending on the quality of the waves generated by the wave generating means 3. In a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the first and second sloping portions 14 and 13 are substantially exclusive to each other. Therefore, a limit G is defined between the bottom portions of waterway 2 having the first and second slopes. This limit G is shown by a line between the angles of the lines of constant depth 20. The boundary is preferably placed substantially towards the wave generation means 7 and extends linearly through the pool at a predetermined angle s of the side 6. Similarly to the length of the channel S3, the angle s is preferably minimized to minimize the length of wave pool 1 occupied by the second slope portion 13, since the wave is normally useful once it reaches the first portion in slope 14. However, in several cases the wave generating means 3 may already be present within the wave pool so that the first and second sloping portions 14, 13 and / or the converging walls 5, 6 are subsequently added. In this situation, the second sloping portion 13 (and channel S3) is required to provide the transition between the wave pool portion 1 directly adjacent to the middle of the pool. generation of waves j £ íá * i.hm. * &- * + 2mm ^ * ^ MM ^ jaam3MlM? 4 mjí ** - * 3 and the first portion on slope 14. To minimize the distance occupied by the second portion on slope 13 , the second slope portion needs to have a maximum gradient. This requirement is negotiated against the tendency of a gradient too inclined to develop a wave with too sharp a crest, which tilts or dips too fast. Of course, wave pool 1 for advanced practitioners may require such a wave. The lower slopes tend to produce more convenient wave spills for beginners. The waves formed by the generation means 7 travel from end 3 to end 4 along the navigable waterway 2. The bottom profile of the waterway 2, in particular the first sloping portions 14, improve the action of breaking waves. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a wave with breaking to the left results, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that similar principles can be applied to form a wave with breaking to the right. An external channel forming a river of still waters 9 may be included to provide a flow of water from end 4 to end 3. The river of still water 9 may extend to one side of the waterway 2, but preferably extends around the entire periphery of waterway 2 as shown in Figure 1. Surfing practitioners can travel back to end 3 along the river of calm water 9, without having to leave the water until they approach the take-off tower (not shown) if provided, small waves can travel to the calm river 9. With the entrance to the quiet river 9 to the right of the navigable waterway 2, a bottom of the navigable waterway with slope towards right as shown in Figure 1. Bridges 15 may be provided to allow people access to pool area 4B, to waterway 2 and takeoff tower, and locations may also be provided to view or photographing surfing practitioners. In the preferred embodiment, the end 4 of the waterway may extend upwardly to a sufficient degree to contain the amount of water required within navigable waterway 2, but insufficiently to prevent the waves from traveling over end 4 in the waterway. river of calm waters 9. The waves can fall on the end 4 in the river of calm waters, in such a way that a head is created that provides pressure to help in the circulation of water around the river of calm waters as indicated by the arrows within the calm water river 9 in Figure 1. This header can work in combination with any additional pump that can needed to circulate the water and / or feed water back into the waterway 2. A flow of water circulation along the waterway 2 and the river of calm water 9, helps in preventing the currents from flowing again until the navigable waterway 2, avoiding an action type "water revuelta". This avoids or minimizes the problem of currents that tend to take surfers back to the 3 rim in the path of other surfers and the problem of interrupting the wave front evenly by the adverse currents in the pool of waves 1. Referring now to Figure 2A, a section is shown along the line .AA in Figure 1, which illustrates the profile of the bottom of waterway 2. The bottom of waterway 2 can be divided into the portions SI, S2 and S3 corresponding to the first slope portion 14, the second portion 13 and the S3 channel respectively. As the line .AA is parallel to the wall 5 and therefore perpendicular to the downward direction of the slope 1, the SI portion of the bottom of the waterway 2 is substantially horizontal. Figures 2B and 2C show sectional views along the lines BB and CC in Figure 1 respectively, illustrating that the length of the portion S2 reduces the distance from the side wall 5 to allow a constant depth in the channel S3. Figure 3A shows a sectioned view along the line DD in Figure 1. As the line DD is located through the Si portion of the waterway 2, consequently the bottom of the waterway is descending along of the pool. The gradient of this slope is preferably 2 to 4 times less than the slope along the line AA on the portion S2. Figures 3B and 3C show sectional views along the lines EE and FF in Figure 1 respectively. Figure 4 shows a representative instantaneous image of simulated results for a wave pool. The diagram in Figure 4 shows the distance from the pool and the wave height in relation to the nominal water level. The wave pool includes the waterway that has a first slope portion with a gradient of 1:40 and a value of 15 degrees of convergence of the side walls. The means of wave generation produced a wave period of 4 seconds and the waterway consisted of a depth of 3 meters at its deepest point and 2.25 meters at the lowest point. The simulated waves had a wave crest confined to roughly equal the width of the narrow end of the waterway, the wave crest was relatively uniform and Li?? A á a a a?,,,,, 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 it had a satisfactory form for surfing through the waterway and there was little variation in the wave height pattern along the pool. The simulated results described above have been verified in a scale model. Therefore, from the above description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that each wave pool is designed according to different factors. The starting point is whether the wave pool 1 should be formed by modifying an existing pool or designed to measure. It is necessary to select the general type of wave, depending on whether it is suitable for advanced, intermediate or beginner practitioners. The required slope of the wave front, if the wave is a wave of spill or with sharp crest to produce a wave with slope or sinking, requires a different design of wave pool. The design variables such as the convergence value of the walls 5, 6, the slopes and the relative slopes of the first and second sloping portions 14, 13, the distance that any S3 channel occupies and the period of waves generated, can vary and optimize to create a convenient wave pool 1. Therefore, computer simulations are highly preferable because they can take into account all the variables and their interactions, resulting in several types of design. Nevertheless, < - íjr 30 these variations of the design are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. Suitable simulations for designing a wave pool 1 of the present invention can be made with hydrodynamic numerical modeling applications. The combination of the first and second sloping portions 14, 13 of the bottom of the waterway 2 and the converging sides 5 and 6, allows a wave to be generated and propagated along the waterway 2 with a number of Improved features compared to currently known wave pools. In particular, the interference reflections can be reduced and the wave height increased. It can be appreciated that the wave pool 1 as described herein is particularly convenient in that it provides a high quality surfing environment for surfers, walkers or other enthusiasts for the sportive water sports in breaking waves. In the above description, where reference was made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents, therefore such equivalents are incorporated herein as if indicated individually. Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible modalities thereof, it should be understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers.

Claims (58)

1. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following claims: 1. A wave pool suitable for modifying the characteristics of waves, the wave pool is characterized in that it includes: - at least one waterway that has first and second opposite ends; - a first and second opposite side walls extending from the first end along at least a portion of the waterway; and - a bottom of the waterway that extends between the side walls; wherein the first and second side walls converge mutually towards the second end of the waterway substantially along its length.
2. 2. A wave pool according to claim 1, characterized in that the first end of the waterway includes a wall located and oriented to intersect the first and second side walls at a substantially equal and opposite angle.

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3. 3. A wave pool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first end of the waterway includes a wave generation means.
4. 4. A wave pool according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first and second side walls converge at an angle between 5 to 45 degrees of the parallel.
5. 5. A wave pool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second side walls converge at an angle of approximately 15 degrees.
6. 6. A wave pool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or both of the first and second side walls include a wave damping means adapted to absorb or dissipate wave energy.
7. 7. A wave pool according to claim 6, characterized in that the wave damping means includes an irregular surface located in one or both side walls. A wave pool according to claim 6, characterized in that the wave damping means includes a series of water-filled elements or porous spaces adapted to absorb wave energy.
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9. 9. A wave pool according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the wave damping means is located behind a cage.
10. 10. A wave pool according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the wave damping means extends up and down the nominal water level in the waterway to an extent dependent on the expected wave height propagated through the waterway.
11. 11. A wave pool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile of the bottom of the waterway includes a first bottom surface oriented to have a predetermined slope, where in use, the nominal depth of the water contained within of the waterway of the wave pool is greater towards the second side wall.
12. 12. A wave pool according to claim 11, characterized in that the downward direction of the first bottom surface is substantially perpendicular to the first side wall of the wave pool.
13. 13. A wave pool according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the first bottom surface has a substantially constant gradient.
14. 14. A wave pool according to claim 13, characterized in that the first bottom surface has a gradient of between 1: 5 to 1:50 inclusive.
15. 15. A wave pool according to claim 13 designed appropriately for beginners, characterized in that the first bottom surface has a gradient between 1:20 and 1:50 inclusive.
16. 16. A wave pool according to claim 13 designed for intermediate or advanced practitioners, characterized in that the first bottom surface has a gradient of between 1: 5 to 1:20 inclusive.
17. 17. A wave pool according to any of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the bottom profile of the waterway includes a second bottom surface oriented to have an additional predetermined slope, where in use, the nominal depth of the Water contained within the waterway is greater towards the first end of the waterway.
18. 18. A pool is wave according to claim 17 which is dependent on claim 2, characterized in that the downward direction of the second

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    The bottom surface is substantially perpendicular to the first end of the waterway.
19. 19. A wave pool according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the second bottom surface occupies a portion of the bottom of the waterway substantially close to the first end of the waterway.
20. 20. A wave pool according to any of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the gradient of the second bottom surface is substantial or approximately a maximum gradient that maintains one or more wave characteristics.
21. 21. A wave pool according to claim 20, characterized in that one or more wave characteristics include the slope of the wave front and / or if required, an inclination or sinking or spilling of waves.
22. 22. A wave pool according to any of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the second bottom surface is separated from the first end of the waterway by a channel located therethrough, where the channel in use, has a substantially constant depth.
23. 23. A wave pool according to claim 22, characterized in that the length of the channel along the waterway is substantial or approximately a minimum length to form a wave generated at the first end of the waterway with the required characteristics of waves before traveling on the second bottom surface.
24. 24. A wave pool according to any of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the second bottom surface has a gradient of between about 1:10 to 1:40 inclusive.
25. 25. A wave pool according to any of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that the first and second bottom surfaces form adjacent and mutually exclusive portions of the bottom of the waterway, in such a way that they define a boundary between the first and second bottom surfaces, wherein the first bottom surface extends from the boundary to the second end of the waterway and the second bottom surface extends from the boundary to the first end of the waterway and in where the boundary between the first and second bottom surfaces are substantially located towards the first end of the waterway relative to the second end of the waterway.
26. 26. A wave pool according to any of claims 17 to 25, characterized in that the second bottom surface has a gradient at

    Á á * ái? M? Mkát *? Í? ? nM? W minus twice the gradient of the first background surface.
27. 27. A wave pool according to any of claims 17 to 25, characterized in that the gradient of the second bottom surface is at least four times the gradient of the first bottom surface.
28. 28. A wave pool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second end of the waterway includes a progressive rise in the bottom of the waterway.
29. 29. A wave pool according to claim 28, characterized in that in use, the second end of the waterway creates a water pool that extends far from the first end of the waterway and generally in the direction of the waterway. second side wall.
30. 30. A wave pool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally includes an external channel having in use, a first end in fluid communication with the waterway to receive water from the second end thereof and a second end in fluid communication with the waterway to expel water substantially at the first end thereof.

    / * 39
31. 31. A wave pool according to claim 30, characterized in that the second end of the waterway has a sufficient height above the bottom of the waterway to contain a required depth of liquid within the waterway thus allowing the waves to spill over at least a portion of the second end of the waterway in the external channel.
32. 32. A wave pool according to claim 31, characterized in that the relative height of the second end of the waterway and the external channel create a sufficient head to form a water flow from the first to the second end of the channel.
33. 33. A wave pool according to any of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that the wave pool includes a pump to create a water flow or help create a flow of water along the external channel from the first to the second extreme.
34. 34. A wave pool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second end of the waterway includes a bottom surface having substantially a gradient of between 1: 1 to 1: 8 inclusive.
35. 35. A wave pool according to claim 34 depending on claim 29, characterized in that the bottom surface having substantially a gradient of 1: 1 or 1: 8, is located between the first bottom surface and the portion from the second end of the waterway that defines a water pool.
36. 36. A wave pool suitable for modifying the wave characteristics, the wave pool is characterized in that it includes: - at least one waterway having a first and second opposite ends; - a first and second opposite side walls that extend along at least a portion of the waterway; and - a bottom of the waterway that extends between the side walls; wherein the waterway includes a first bottom surface oriented to have a predetermined slope substantially over the entire width of the wave pool between the first and second side walls, wherein in use, the nominal depth of the water contained within the track navigable of the wave pool is greater towards the second side wall.
37. 37. A wave pool according to claim 36, characterized in that the first end of the waterway includes a wave generation means.
38. 38. A wave pool according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that the first

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    The end of the waterway is formed by a substantially flat wall and wherein the downward direction of the first bottom surface is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first side wall of the wave pool.
39. 39. A wave pool according to any of claims 36 to 38, characterized in that the first bottom surface has a substantially constant gradient.
40. 40. A wave pool according to any of claims 36 to 39, characterized in that the first bottom surface has a gradient between 1: 5 to 1:50 inclusive.
41. 41. A wave pool according to any of claims 36 to 40, characterized in that a beginner wave pool has a first bottom surface with a gradient between 1:20 and 1:50 inclusive.
42. 42. A wave pool according to any of claims 36 to 40, characterized in that a wave pool for intermediate or advanced practitioners has a first bottom surface with a gradient between 1: 5 to 1:20 inclusive.
43. 43. A wave pool according to any of claims 36 to 42, characterized

    because the profile of the bottom of the waterway includes a second bottom surface oriented to have another predetermined slope, where in use, the nominal depth of the water contained within the waterway is greater towards the first end of the waterway.
44. 44. A pool is wave according to claim 43, characterized in that the downward direction of the second bottom surface is substantially perpendicular to the first end of the waterway.
45. 45. A wave pool according to claim 43 or 44, characterized in that the second bottom surface occupies a portion of the bottom of the waterway substantially close to the first end of the waterway.
46. 46. A wave pool according to any of claims 43 to 45, characterized in that the gradient of the second bottom surface is substantial or approximately a maximum gradient that maintains one or more wave characteristics.
47. 47. A wave pool according to claim 46, characterized in that one or more wave characteristics include the slope of the wave front and / or if required, an inclination or sinking or spilling of waves.
48. 48. A wave pool according to any of claims 43 to 47, characterized in that the second bottom surface is separated from the first end of the waterway by a channel located therethrough, where the channel in use, it has a substantially constant depth.
49. 49. A wave pool according to claim 48, characterized in that the length of the channel along the waterway is substantial or approximately a minimum length to form a wave generated at the first end of the waterway with the required characteristics of waves before traveling on the second bottom surface.
50. 50. A wave pool according to any of claims 43 to 49, characterized in that the second bottom surface has a gradient of between about 1:10 to 1:40 inclusive.
51. 51. A wave pool according to any of claims 43 to 50, characterized in that the first and second bottom surfaces form adjacent and mutually exclusive portions of the bottom of the waterway, in such a way that they define a boundary between the first and second bottom surfaces, wherein the first bottom surface extends from the boundary to the second end of the waterway and the second surface

    Background extends from the boundary towards the first end of the waterway and where the boundary between the first and second bottom surfaces are located substantially towards the first end of the waterway in relation to the second end of the waterway.
52. 52. A wave pool according to any of claims 43 to 51, characterized in that the second bottom surface has a gradient at least twice the gradient of the first bottom surface.
53. 53. A wave pool according to any of claims 43 to 51, characterized in that the gradient of the second slope of the bottom surface is at least four times the gradient of the first bottom surface.
54. 54. A wave pool according to any of claims 36 to 53, characterized in that the second end of the waterway is defined by a progressive rise in the bottom of the waterway, which in use, creates a pool of water that it extends away from the first end of the waterway and generally in the direction of the second side wall.
55. 55. A wave pool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more artificial reefs are included in the

    navigable way to form the bottom of the same one and they are located, dimensionados and oriented to improve the form and / or the characteristics of breaking of waves produced in the navigable waterway.
56. 56. A wave pool, characterized in that it includes: - at least one waterway having first and second opposite ends; - a first and second opposite sidewalls extending along at least a portion of the waterway and mutually converging towards the second end of the waterway; and - a bottom of the waterway that extends between the side walls; - wherein the waterway includes a first bottom surface having a predetermined slope and where in use, the nominal water depth in the waterway is greater towards the second side wall.
57. 57. The wave pool according to claim 56, characterized in that the first bottom surface extends substantially over the entire width of the wave pool between the first and second side walls.

    ? ÁA? .A? Í zP ^? ^ -
58. 58. A wave pool substantially in accordance with that described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

    An appropriate wave pool (1) is provided to modify the wave characteristics that propagate through it, the wave pool (1) includes at least one waterway (2) having a first and second opposite ends ( 3,4); first and second opposite side walls (5,6) extending along at least a portion of the waterway (2); and a bottom of the waterway that extends between the side walls (5,6); where the side walls mutually converge towards the second end of the waterway. A wave pool (1) is also provided, wherein the bottom of the waterway includes a first bottom surface (14) oriented to have a predetermined slope, where in use, the nominal depth of the water contained within the track The wave pool (1) may also include a second bottom surface (13) adjacent to and mutually exclusive to the first bottom surface (14) and located toward the second side wall. first extreme (3) of the waterway.

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