Scuba and Snorkel Playground Facility

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/436,747, which was filed on Jan. 3, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of scuba diving or snorkeling facilities. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel underwater public playground facility for individuals to perform scuba diving and/or snorkeling or snorkeling, learn about marine life, and find compatible scuba divers. The facility can be designed and made in an urban area obviating the need for individuals to go to oceans and other water bodies for water activities. The facility includes several pools to accommodate beginner and experienced divers, offering a way for individuals to scuba dive or snorkel or snorkel with others. Gear (i.e., new and used) can be brought by patrons or rented from the facility. Individuals can scuba dive or snorkel with others and ensure they have a consistent diving partner for safety. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, many individuals love water sports such as scuba diving and swimming. Such sports not only provide relaxation to individuals but also provide a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world and engage with marine life. However, the accessibility of suitable locations for scuba diving, swimming, and other water sports is difficult. Individuals commonly need to resort to lakes, seas, or oceans for conducting scuba dives and other activities, which may not be readily available to everyone. Inland areas or regions without easy access to water bodies can make it difficult for individuals to engage in these water sports. Lack of proximity to suitable diving spots can limit the opportunities for individuals to enjoy these activities. Individuals desire a facility that can allow them to perform scuba diving and/or snorkeling and more without requiring them to visit lakes, seas, or oceans, and more.

Scuba divers are required to have a diving partner, commonly referred to as a “buddy”. The buddy system ensures that divers can support and assist each other in case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. However, finding a suitable diving partner can be challenging, especially for individuals who do not have friends or acquaintances interested in scuba diving. Individuals desire a way to easily find diving partners for water sports.

The cost associated with scuba diving gear or snorkeling gear, including the wetsuit, mask, fins, regulator, and other essential equipment, can be quite expensive. Additionally, scuba diving lessons and certifications necessary to ensure the safety and competence of divers are costly, making them unaffordable for some individuals. Individuals desire a facility from where they can rent out scuba diving gear or snorkeling gear and get easy and cost-effective training.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an underwater public playground facility. There is also a long felt need in the art for an underwater public playground facility that includes several pools of different sizes, offering a way for individuals to scuba dive or snorkel. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an underwater playground facility for individuals to learn about scuba diving or snorkeling without requiring them to go to open water bodies. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an underwater public playground facility that enables individuals to rent out or purchase scuba diving gear or snorkeling gear. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel underwater public playground facility that allows individuals to find buddies for scuba diving and other underwater activities. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for an underwater public playground facility that allows individuals to easily learn water activities. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an underwater public playground facility that enables individuals to go on day trips and vacations to the facility to learn about scuba diving or snorkeling and marine life-related activities.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an underwater public playground facility. The underwater public playground facility is designed as a scuba, snorkeling, and marine facility for scuba divers to navigate and to use for exercise. The facility includes a plurality of floors of different sizes, one or more of the plurality of floors include one or more pools, the pools are of different depths, each pool includes at least one obstacle, the obstacle can be one or more of monkey bars, swing poles, magnet activated rides, and more. At least one of the floors includes one or more shops for selling or renting scuba, snorkeling, and swimming gear for enabling patrons to purchase or to rent out. Each pool has backlight with neon equipment to accommodate nighttime play. The facility includes medical care for providing immediate medical attention to patrons visiting the facility.

In this manner, the underwater public playground facility of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a unique underwater playground facility that allows individuals to scuba dive or snorkel in different pools. The facility can be made in inland areas, thereby enabling individuals to go on day trips and vacations to the facility to scuba dive or snorkel, swim, and learn about marine life-related activities. The facility provides gear to rent and different obstacles within pools to play around for creating a fun and safe environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a scuba/snorkel playground facility. The scuba/snorkel playground facility is designed as an underwater playground facility for scuba divers to navigate and to use for exercise. The facility includes a plurality of floors, one or more of the plurality of floors include one or more pools, the pools are of different depths, each pool includes at least one obstacle, the obstacle can be one or more of monkey bars, swing poles, magnet activated rides, and more. At least one of the floors includes one or more shops for selling or renting scuba, snorkeling, and swimming gear for enabling patrons to purchase or to rent out. Each pool has backlight with neon equipment to accommodate nighttime play.

In yet another embodiment, an underwater public playground facility for individuals to learn and perform scuba diving and/or snorkeling is disclosed. The facility is formed as an isolated structure having a plurality of floors, the facility including one or more museums, arrangements, or views for displaying marine life, enabling users to touch small and safe marine animals, a plurality of pools of different depths to accommodate beginner and experienced divers, one or more diving training centers for providing training to individuals, a plurality of lockers for securely storing personal items, and one or more shops for selling and renting out scuba, snorkeling, and other swimming gear.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for performing scuba diving or snorkeling in a playground facility is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a facility having a plurality of pools of different sizes, each pool has different obstacle and backlight, a plurality of registration counters; associating a unique ID with a user, issuing a prepaid payment card to the user, registering for a pool on the registration counter, purchasing/renting scuba or snorkeling gear from one or more shops of the facility, and performing scuba diving or snorkeling in one of the pools under guidance of trainers.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, based on the diving experience level of patrons, the facility automatically provides or recommends other patrons who are compatible for diving or snorkeling. In one example, a beginner diver is recommended to an experienced diver, enabling both the divers to perform scuba diving and/or snorkeling together.

The facility of the present invention allows users to go on day trips and vacations to the facility to learn about scuba diving or snorkeling and marine life-related activities. Individuals are not required to go to beaches, lakes, oceans, and seas for performing scuba diving or snorkeling and other marine activities.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a planar view of an underwater public playground facility of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged view of the marine museum, exhibit, or dive area of the underwater public playground facility of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary shop deployed in the scuba/snorkel playground facility of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process of purchasing gear and other items from the shops of the facility in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a pool or playground swim area deployed in the scuba/snorkel playground facility in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 6 illustrates a planar view of one embodiment of the first floor of the playground facility of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 7 illustrates a floor plan of one of the floors of the facility of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 8 illustrates another floor plan of one of the floors of the facility of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for an underwater public playground facility. There is also a long felt need in the art for an underwater public playground facility that includes several pools of different sizes, offering a way for individuals to scuba dive or snorkel. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an underwater playground facility for individuals to learn about scuba diving or snorkeling without requiring them to go to open water bodies. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an underwater public playground facility that enables individuals to rent out scuba diving gear or snorkeling gear. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel underwater public playground facility that allows individuals to find buddies for scuba diving and other underwater activities. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for an underwater public playground facility that allows individuals to easily learn water activities. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an underwater public playground facility that enables individuals to go on day trips and vacations to the facility to learn about scuba diving or snorkeling and marine life-related activities.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a method for performing scuba diving or snorkeling in an underwater playground facility. The method includes the steps of providing a facility having a plurality of pools of different sizes, each pool has different obstacle and backlight, a plurality of registration counters; associating a unique ID with a user, issuing a prepaid payment card to the user, registering for a pool on the registration counter, purchasing/renting scuba or snorkeling gear from one or more shops of the facility, and performing scuba diving or snorkeling in one of the pools under guidance of trainers.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a planar view of underwater public playground facility of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The underwater public playground facility 100 of the present invention is designed as a playground facility for scuba divers, snorkelers, and water enthusiasts who find it difficult to locate places to perform scuba diving and/or snorkeling, and more. More specifically, the underwater public playground facility 100 includes a plurality of floors or levels 102, 104, 106, 108 for providing different playing and entertainment (i.e., activity) zones to individuals. The underwater public playground facility 100 can be designed in a huge area ranging from 50,000 sq ft to 300,000 sq ft and each floor can have a height in the range from 10 feet to 400 feet.

The scuba/snorkel playground facility 100 includes a plurality of pools of different sizes and depths shown through the exemplary pools 110, 112, 114. The pools 110, 112 are on the ground floor 102 and the pool 114 is on the first floor 104. A plurality of shops 116 for enabling patrons to purchase scuba equipment, refreshments, and other items are deployed on different floors or levels 102, 106 and more. Each pool has different obstacles 118, 120, 122 for providing challenges to the divers 124. In the present embodiment, the pool 114 has a small depth and is designed for children and beginner divers. The pools 110, 112 have depth of up to 40 feet and are designed for experienced divers. The obstacles 118, 120, 122 can include one or more of monkey bars, swing poles, magnet activated rides, and much more.

A marine exhibit or museum 126 is preferably designed on the floor 106 for enabling the patrons to enjoy marine life. The marine museum 126 as illustrated in FIG. 2, can be experienced by users by touching small and safe marine animals. The marine museum 126 can also be designed on any of the other floors depending on the design of the facility 100. The top floor 108 includes one or more open roof restaurants 128 for enabling individuals to enjoy food and to relax.

FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged view of the marine museum, exhibit, or dive area of the underwater public playground facility of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The marine museum, exhibit, or dive area 126 is in the form of a deep pool 202 that has a protection boundary 204 for preventing patrons 206 from falling in the pool 202. The pool 202 includes a plurality of small marine animals 208 that are safe for humans to touch, and safe for the animals 208 as well to be touched by humans. The museum, exhibit, or dive area 126 includes a cleaning system 210 for periodic cleaning of the pool 202 for safety of both animals 208 and patrons 206. Backlight 212 is also included along the pool 202 to accommodate nighttime play. In some of the embodiments, the patrons 206 may not be allowed to touch marine animals 208 in the museum, exhibit, or dive area 126.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary shop deployed in the scuba/snorkel playground facility of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. A plurality of shops are positioned inside the facility 100 on different floors for enabling patrons to purchase accessories. As illustrated, the exemplary shop 302 can sell different gear 304 including scuba gear, snorkel gear, flippers, goggles, rental gear, pool toys, and/or souvenirs from the facility 100, and more. The shop 302 allows patrons to reserve and use gear on a rental basis as well.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process of purchasing gear and other items from the shops of the facility in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Initially, a patron is associated with a unique ID on entering the facility for identification through out the facility (Step 402). Then, a prepaid payment card is issued to the patron for purchasing different items and accessing different offerings inside the facility (Step 404). Thereafter, the patron selects one or more items from one or more shops of the facility for either purchase or rent (Step 406). Finally, the item is returned to the shop within a predetermined period of time when item is rented (Step 408). A patron can register for one or more pools and diving activities using one or more registration counters as illustrated later in the disclosure.

In one embodiment of the present invention, based on the diving experience level of patrons, the facility automatically provides or recommends other patrons who are compatible for diving or snorkeling. In one example, a beginner diver is recommended to an experienced diver, enabling both the divers to perform scuba diving and/or snorkeling together. The recommendation can be automatic based on the information such as experience and gender received at the time of registration of the user/patron.

In some embodiments, a card is provided to each patron which can display an in-facility location of the recommended patron enabling patrons to meet each other inside the facility for performing water activities together.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a pool or playground swim area deployed in the scuba/snorkel playground facility in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The playground swim area 502 includes metal bar structures 504 of different sizes enabling divers to swing or swim around, rock climbing system 506 and one or more swing poles, magnet activated rides, parkour, and more. The areas 502 can be of different sizes and depths to accommodate divers of all experience levels. There can be a black light 508 in the pool 502 with neon equipment to accommodate nighttime play.

FIG. 6 illustrates a planar view of one embodiment of the first floor of the playground facility of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The first floor 102 includes a 0-10 ft depth area 602 for beginners and is adjacent to the 30-60-ft depth area 604. A 60-100 ft depth area 606 is accessed via the second floor which can require a particular (i.e., Blue key) card access. A 100-300 ft depth area 608 is accessed via the third floor which requires another particular (i.e., yellow key) card access. A shop 610 for buying and renting out gear and other accessories is available on the first floor 102.

For accessing different pools and swimming areas, registration is accepted as described in FIG. 4 as well. A registration counter 612 on the first floor 102 is used for registering patrons for different pools based on their experience level and diving certifications and training. A plurality of refreshment areas and restaurants 614, 616 are also available on the first floor 102 for enabling patrons to enjoy and relax.

For security and storage of items of patrons during their stay in the water playground facility 100, a plurality of lockers 618 are installed on the first floor 102. A men's changing room 620 and a separate women's changing room 622 are provided for enabling patrons to change clothing for performing diving, snorkeling, and/or swimming and other activities.

FIG. 7 illustrates a floor plan of one of the floors of the facility of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the floor can be the second floor 104 and includes 30-60 ft depth pool area 702, 60-100 ft depth pool area 704, and 100-300 ft depth pool area 706. A plurality of shops 708 are formed adjacent to the 30-60 ft depth pool area. A science and marine experiment area 710 having a closet 712 is used by patrons for performing creative and scientific experiments.

A museum or exhibit 714 as described in FIG. 2 is designed on the floor 104 and a monitoring and surveillance room 716 is used for monitoring the facility 100. Paramedical areas, decompression chambers, and/or first-aid rooms 718, along with accessory storage rooms 720, are also designed on the floor 104.

FIG. 8 illustrates another floor plan of one of the floors of the facility of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the floor which could be the third floor 106 includes a glass fiber look down and look out room 802 for providing patrons with an infinite aquarium. The floor 106 includes 100-300 ft depth area 804, a plurality of diving training areas 806 where trainers provide training to the new divers. A virtual reality gaming area 808 is designed to allow patrons to enjoy and learn about marine life in AR/VR model. Different VR games are installed in the gaming area 808 and tickets can be purchased from the registration area 612. Different other specific areas such as lockers 810 and medical room 812 are also available on the floor 106.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “underwater public playground facility”, “facility”, “playground facility”, and “scuba/snorkel playground facility” are interchangeable and refer to the underwater public playground facility 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the underwater public playground facility 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the underwater public playground facility 100 as shown in the FIGS. 1-8 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the underwater public playground facility 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the underwater public playground facility 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the underwater public playground facility 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.