WO2004005128A1

WO2004005128A1 - Floating amusement park

Info

Publication number: WO2004005128A1
Application number: PCT/AU2003/000888
Authority: WO
Inventors: Naruaki Ohnishi
Original assignee: Dectar Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2002-07-09
Filing date: 2003-07-09
Publication date: 2004-01-15
Also published as: AU2002950059A0

Abstract

A floating amusement park is defined which includes a support structure (22) for supporting the amusement park, a flotation means (24) associated with the support structure for maintaining it afloat in water, and anchor means (26) connectable to the support structure (22) and adapted for location in substratum underlying the water so as to generally prevent movement of the support structure (22) in the water. In addition, a floating artificial island is disclosed which includes one or more beach formations (66) and one or more geographical hill or mountain formations.

Description

FLOATING AMUSEMENT PARK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a floating amusement park.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Floating pontoons are known wherein various entertainment facilities can be provided. However, existing pontoon structures are static, and many discerning users now demand greater entertainment facilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides a floating amusement park including a support structure for supporting the amusement park, a flotation means associated with the support structure for maintaining it afloat in water, and anchor means connectable to the support structure and adapted for location in substratum underlying the water so as to generally prevent movement of the support structure in the water.

Advantageously, the present invention provides a support structure which can for example support a multi-storey theme park construction. Advantageously, the support structure may then be positioned at a desirable (e.g. tropical and/or reef) location to have optimum ambient climate and natural and attractive surroundings.

Preferably the support structure includes a pontoon component .

Preferably the flotation means includes one or more gas containing flotation tanks mounted to the support structure.

Typically the gas containing flotation tanks are filled with air and are gas tight, the tanks typically having a size to support a significant infrastructure on the support structure .

Preferably the anchor means includes one or more ties connected at one end to the support structure and at the opposite end to an anchor for fastening to or in the substratum. The ties may be chains, synthetic or natural woven rope etc. The ties may be anchored by large e.g. metal anchors, or attached to submerged concrete blocks located or fastened at, in or to underlying rock substrata etc .

Preferably the support structure is adapted for supporting a multi-storey park. Optionally, the multi-storey park can have one of more levels that extend below a level of surrounding water in use (ie. submerged level (s) ) .

Preferably the support structure includes one or more wharves or mooring points at which respective waterborne vessel (s) can dock.

Preferably the park includes one or more platform structures located on the support structure on which airborne craft, such as helicopter (s) , can land and take off.

Advantageously the park includes one or more of : amusement rides, water slides, conference areas, function areas, accommodation areas, restaurant areas, undercover areas, exterior decks and platforms, interconnecting stairwells and/or elevators between levels, bars, cafeterias, chapels, function areas, gardens, waterfalls, fountains, spas, pools, ponds, artificial beaches, shower and changing areas, lounge areas, artificial terrain areas, bridges, underwater viewing areas, underwater transporters, picnic and outdoor eating areas. In a second aspect the present invention provides a floating artificial island including a support structure for supporting the island, and flotation means associated with the support structure for maintaining the island afloat, the island including one or more beach formations, one or more geographical hill or mountain formations, and optionally one or more waterways.

In a third aspect the present invention provides a floating recreation facility including a support structure for supporting the facility and flotation means associated with the support structure for maintaining it afloat in water, the recreation facility including one or more accommodation rooms, and optionally one or more catering facilities, characterised in that the recreation facility is other than a boat.

In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a floating recreation facility including a support structure for supporting the facility and flotation means associated with the support structure for maintaining it afloat in water, the recreation facility being multi-levelled, each level being adapted for receiving human users thereat, characterised in that the recreation facility is other than a boat . Preferably the island of the second aspect and the recreation facilities of the third and fourth aspects are otherwise as defined for the park of the first aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first floating theme park according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows the same view of the floating theme park as Figure 1 but at night; Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of the park of Figure

1;

Figure 4 shows a schematic location view of a first floating theme park of Figure 1 adjacent to a prior art floating pontoon;

Figure 5 shows a perspective schematic representation of various zones and levels within the floating theme park of

Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows a detailed plan view similar to Figure 2 but illustrating the relative location of the zones and levels of Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective layout view through a first level IF of the floating theme park;

Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective layout view through a second level 2F of the floating theme park;

Figure 9 shows schematic perspective layout views through third and fourth levels 3F and 4F of the floating theme park;

Figure 10 shows a schematic perspective layout view through a first underwater level BIF of the floating theme park;

Figure 11 shows schematic depictions of entrances to two islands of the floating theme park at level IF (the relative location these entrances being depicted in Figure 5) ;

Figure 12 shows schematic depictions of the catering area of the fish island at level IF and the chapel island stairwell between levels IF & 2F (the relative location these areas being depicted in Figure 5) ; Figure 13 shows the same view of the chapel island party room of Figure 12 but at night;

Figure 14 shows a schematic depiction of an outdoor (activity) area of the fish island at level IF; Figure 15 shows a schematic depiction of a massage and Jacuzzi area of the fish island at level 2F

Figure 16 shows schematic depictions of the chapel island chapel and viewing areas, and the chapel island party room at level 3F (the relative location these areas being depicted in Figures 5&6) ;

Figure 17 shows the same view as Figure 16 but at night; Figure 18 shows a schematic depiction of the fish island water slide and entrance thereto; and

Figure 19 shows a schematic depiction of the fish island cafeteria/bar.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 4, a floating amusement park is shown in the form of floating island theme park 20. The theme park 20 includes a supporting structure 22, with a plurality of flotation tanks 24 (one such tank depicted in Figure 10) mounted to a pantoon component underside of the support structure and submerged and located so as to be not viewable from above or below the other theme park by visitors thereto. Anchor means in the form of a plurality of anchor chains 26 (one such chain shown in Figure 10) are connected to the supporting structure underside and extend to an anchoring point 28

(typically a large concrete block fixed to underlying rocks or reef substratum adjacent to the location of the theme park.

Noting that a number of different theme park concepts are possible, in the island theme park embodiment depicted, the park has two interconnected islands 30 and 32, island 30 hereafter being referred to as the fish island (because of its likeness to a fish in plan view) and island 32 being called the chapel island (because of the presence of a chapel 34 thereon) .

Figure 4 shows the island theme park 20 depicted in relative location to an existing pontoon, to which a water borne vessel such as powered catamaran C may dock. Another catamaran C is located on the other side of island theme park 20. Figure 4 thus clearly shows the significant improvement in the floating amusement park concept according to the present invention. The island theme park 20 depicted has many advantages over a static pontoon as will become apparent from the following description.

Referring in particular to Figures 1, 3 and 6, the island theme park 20 includes a docking wharf 36 along one side thereof, the wharf having a generally straight configuration to make it easier for catamarans C and C2 to dock thereat. The wharf is otherwise incorporated into the architecture of the theme park to preserve a natural island theme.

The theme park is also provided with at least one helicopter landing pad 38, in this embodiment located at the end of a bill of the fish shape of the fish island, the bill constituting a walk-way 40 to and from the helipad.

A bridge 42 interconnects the fish island 30 and chapel island 32, allowing users to move freely between the two islands. Other major features of the fish island include a light house 44 at a pinnacle of the island, a water slide amusement ride 45, a fountain 46, an outdoor cafe area 47, an outdoor walking area 48, a palm garden 49, overwater accommodation cottages 50, a beach 51, an external walk-way 52, interconnecting stairs 53, a children's pool 54 and an adjacent small climbing island 55.

Major features of the chapel island include the chapel 34, a finger wharf 56 (at one side of which a glass bottom boat GBB can dock and at the other side of which a semi-submarine SS can dock), a fountain 57, a flower archway 58 to the chapel, a pond 59, a wedding stairway

60, an under-chapel open area 61, an external walkway 62, and a summit viewing area 64.

A large beach 66 is located on one side of the theme park between the island, the beach having a shallow (but progressively deepening) swimming area 67, and a cascading waterfall 68 is located on the other side of the theme park, adjacent to the docking wharf 36. Figure 5 depicts schematically the various levels, and zones within each level, in the island theme park, the nomenclature of which will hereinafter be employed for the remaining description of the preferred embodiment. It should also be noted from Figure 5 that the chapel island represents an active zone in the theme park whereas the fish island represents a relaxation zone. It will also be seen from Figure 5 that the theme park has five stories, four of which are above the water level and one of which (BIF) is below the water level. Hereafter, each of these floors is denoted by the nomenclature IF, 2F, 3F etc.

Turning now to Figure 7, which schematically depicts a layout through the first level IF of the theme park, it will be seen that significant undercover areas are provided at this level, including a catering area 70, an access to diving area 72, an access to an undersea walker 74 and various other recreation and storage areas .

Figure 8 shows a schematic view through level 2F, being the next level up from IF showing various other substantial recreational areas including Jacuzzi's (spas) 76, sunbaking areas 78, accommodation rooms 79 etc.

Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective view through levels 3F and 4F illustrating various other undercover areas, including function rooms 80 (associated with the chapel 34), accommodation and/or function rooms 82 etc.

Level 4F represents undercover and open viewing platforms, verandahs etc. at the top of each of the islands.

Figure 10 shows a schematic view of the underwater level BIF, including underwater viewing areas 84, an undersea theatre 86, and an underwater cafeteria 88. Figure 10 also shows schematically a generator 90 (providing power for the theme park) , one of the flotation tanks 24, one of the anchor chains 26 and one of the anchor blocks 28 to which the chain is attached, with the chain being attached at its opposite end to the supporting structure 22. Anchor block 28 can be replaced with an anchor hook. Anchor block 28 is typically also fastened to underlying rock at the bed of a body of water or may be sufficiently weighted to sit in position at the bed.

Figure 11 artisticly depicts entrances to the fish and chapel islands at the docking wharfs 36. Figure 12 artisticly depicts, in the left-hand drawing, a view of the fish island catering area, and in the right hand drawing, a view of the chapel island catering area. Figure 13 artisticly depicts a view of the chapel island stairwell at night . Figure 14 artisticly depicts a view of the fish island adjacent to fountain 46, showing the terminus of the water slide 45, and the children's pool 54 and beach 51. Figure 15 artisticly depicts the fish island massage and Jacuzzi areas at level 2F. Figure 16 artisticly depicts in the left-hand drawing, a view from level 4F to the chapel at level 3F, and in the right hand drawing, a view from one of the function rooms 80 of the chapel island. Figure 17 artisticly depicts the same drawings of Figure 16 but at night.

Figure 18 artisticly depicts an external view of the fish island, and Figure 19 artisticly depicts a view of the cafeteria 88 at level BIF on the fish island.

There are a number of advantages associated with the floating amusement park according to the present invention. These include the provision of:

• Multi-level activity and relaxation areas, including above and below water-level areas;

• Transportability of the park, so that the park can be constructed onshore and transported for location at appropriate geographical and/or climatic locations ;

• Off-shore accommodation areas;

• Docking areas for receiving multiple vessel types including waterborne and airborne vessels; • Additional entertainment facilities, making use of surrounding water features;

• Controllable environmental features such as the ability to maintain permanently clean beaches and surrounding waters;

• Offshore catering and bar facilities in a multidimensional format, including a variety of different catering options;

• Heightened amusement and novelty values to cater to discerning travellers .

Whilst the invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in many other forms .

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A floating amusement park including a support structure for supporting the amusement park, a flotation means associated with the support structure for maintaining it afloat in water, and anchor means connectable to the support structure and adapted for location in substratum underlying the water so as to generally prevent movement of the support structure in the water.

2. A floating amusement park as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support structure includes a pontoon component .

3. A floating amusement park as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the flotation means includes one or more gas containing flotation tanks mounted to the support structure .

4. A floating amusement park as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the anchor means includes one or more ties connected at one end to the support structure and at the opposite end to an anchor for location or fastening to or in the substratum.

5. A floating amusement park as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the support structure is adapted for supporting a multi-storey park.

6. A floating amusement park as claimed in claim 5 wherein the multi-storey park has one of more levels that extend below a level of surrounding water in use .

7. A floating amusement park as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including one or more wharves or mooring points at which respective waterborne vessel (s) can dock.

8. A floating amusement park as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including one or more platform structures located on the support structure on which airborne craft, such as helicopter (s) , can land and take off.

9. A floating amusement park as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including one or more of: amusement rides, water slides, conference areas, function areas, accommodation areas, restaurant areas, undercover areas, exterior decks and platforms, interconnecting stairwells and/or elevators between levels, bars, cafeterias, chapels, function areas, gardens, waterfalls, fountains, spas, pools, ponds, artificial beaches, shower and changing areas, lounge areas, artificial terrain areas, bridges, underwater viewing areas, underwater transporters, picnic and outdoor eating areas.

10. A floating amusement park substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings .

11. A floating artificial island including a support structure for supporting the island, and flotation means associated with the support structure for maintaining the island afloat, the island including one or more beach formations, one or more geographical hill or mountain formations, and optionally one or more waterways.

12. A floating recreation facility including a support structure for supporting the facility and flotation means associated with the support structure for maintaining it afloat in water, the recreation facility including one or more accommodation rooms, and optionally one or more catering facilities, characterised in that the recreation facility is other than a boat.

13. A floating recreation facility including a support structure for supporting the facility and flotation means associated with the support structure for maintaining it afloat in water, the recreation facility being multi- levelled, each level being adapted for receiving human users thereat, characterised in that the recreation facility is other than a boat.

14. A floating island or facility as claimed in claim 11, 12 or 13 which is a floating amusement park as otherwise defined in any one of claims 1 to 10.