Abstract:
The water park assembly includes a plurality of couplings with fittings for connection with an external water system. A box is matable with a waterline for connecting a thru-wall skimmer thereto, and an outlet is formed within one of the couplings. Fittings are formed within an inner wall of the coupling, and water jet nozzles are anchored thereto. Light illuminating sources are anchored within the fittings. Selected couplings have a handle attached thereto. At least one wheel is connected to an associated one of the couplings. Each of the couplings includes holes for anchoring coupling arches. The ends of the couplings have vertical grooves and attachment holes formed therein for receiving supports, wheels, handles and waterfall decorations. A slot is formed in the couplings for a rupture gate. The gate includes cross bars supporting the gate to an associated one of the couplings.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/076,764, filed on Mar. 11, 2005 now abandoned, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not Applicable. 
   REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
   Not Applicable. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Technical Field 
   This invention relates to water park amusement rides and, more particularly, to a modular aquatic assembly for providing user enjoyment that can be easily disassembled and transported to a remote location. 
   2. Prior Art 
   Water slides have come into recent vogue, particularly in the seashore resort areas where as a diversion to swimming in the ocean and riding the surf, the bather can ride flexible mats along predetermined shallow water flow paths as defined by flumes which carry water from a starting pool at some given vertical elevation to a landing pool displaced therefrom and at a lower elevation. 
   Either natural water is supplied at the upper end of the starting pool and discharged at the landing pool or pumps are provided for continuously circulating the water from the landing pool to the starting pools for gravity traverse down the flumes and subsequent return for collection at the landing pool. Typically, a water trough is provided from a high elevation to a lower elevation, with turns and sharp drops in elevation provided. Water is pumped up to the top of the trough and allowed to fall under the influence of gravity to the bottom of the trough. 
   Passenger carrying boats are often elevated from a passenger loading platform to the top of the trough and then allowed to be carried by the falling water to the bottom of the trough. The turns and drops in elevation give a thrilling ride for the passengers. Such rides have been in use for a number of years and are permanently installed in a number of large amusement parks. Such rides are generally permanent installations of welded steel reinforced water flume sections. The starting and landing pools and the intervening flumes have often been constructed of reinforced concrete and embedded in natural or prepared earth formations. The reinforced concrete provides particular problems with respect to climactic changes giving problems due to expansion and contraction. The water rides, once created, are virtually impossible to move. The surface of the concrete readily abrades the skin of the users of the water slide, and in some cases, presents esthetic problems. 
   Attempts have been made to construct water slides consisting of one or more flumes mounted on an open wooden or metal framework and in which case the flumes being made of sheet metal or laid up fiberglass provide a surface which is sufficiently smooth to permit the mat carrying the user to move with little friction, particularly with the water over the course of the flumes. Again, such structures are limited in their esthetics, are fixed in terms of the curvature or path taken by the flumes, are extensive and once assembled, and again, are virtually impossible to dismantle for reconstruction on a different site. 
   As a result, such rides are expensive to build and difficult to relocate. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a water flume ride construction of lower costs, with trough sections of lighter weight that are easier to assemble, and which can be readily disassembled for movement to a different site. 
   Accordingly, a need remains for a water amusement ride that is easy to assemble and disassemble, and can be easily transported to a different site as desired by a user. The present invention satisfies such a need by providing a modular aquatic assembly that features uniquely shaped modular units that can be readily assembled and disassembled at an economical cost. Such units are also readily transportable so that a user may place it in a northern climate in the summer season, and then disassemble it and move it to a southern climate during the winter season, for example. Such an assembly ensures that an owner reaps the maximum benefit from the assembly without incurring exorbitant costs. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a portable water ride assembly for simulating a lazy river. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are provided by an assembly including a plurality of uniquely dimensioned modular units securely conjoinable for defining a predetermined travel path along which a selected volume of water can be directed. Such modular units include a plurality of annular couplings having corresponding sizes and shapes for mating during operating conditions and providing a water-tight seal along which the water may travel for generating a current. Selected ones of the couplings define male members and alternate ones of the couplings define female members threadably engageable with the male members such that the modular units can be removably engaged as needed during non-operating procedures. Each annular coupling has a diameter greater than a diameter of the modular units respectively. 
   The assembly further includes a plurality of reinforcing banks formed from durable material and outwardly situated about an outer surface of each of the modular units such that the banks resist operating forces exerted outwardly and away from the travel path during operating conditions. Each bank is selectively inflatable for receiving a predetermined quantity of air in such a manner that the banks provide buoyant support about the outer surfaces of the modular units and maintain the primary modular units at substantially stable and static positions during operating conditions. Each bank includes a rigid support member having an arcuate top surface and a planar bottom surface sized and shaped for receiving a portion of the modular units such that the modular units can be maintained at an elevated position above a ground surface during operating conditions. 
   The assembly further includes a mechanism for preventing water from flowing beyond at least one of the modular units. The water preventing mechanism includes at least one spring-actuated gate transversely slidable adjacent a corresponding one of the couplings in such a manner that the spring-actuated gate intersects water flowing beneath the corresponding coupling while maintaining an open path between a top edge of the spring-actuated gate and a top edge of the coupling respectively. Such a spring-actuated gate has a serrated bottom edge portion. 
   The water preventing mechanism further includes a selectively rotatable drive gear operably engaged with the serrated bottom edge portion in such a manner that the spring-actuated gate can be positioned along a horizontal and linear path as the drive gear of the water preventing mechanism is rotated along an arcuate path. 
   The assembly further includes a mechanism for selectively rotating the couplings along clockwise and counter clockwise radial paths for simulating predetermined decorative themes which provide user enjoyment during transit along the travel path. Such a rotating mechanism includes a plurality of portable housings and a plurality of power operable motors seated therein respectively. Such power motors are also manually operable. Each motor is removably attachable to an associated one of the couplings respectively. Each motor includes a drive gear operably connected thereto wherein each drive gear is operably conjoinable to a selected portion of one of the couplings respectively. 
   A plurality of annular sprockets are centered about an outer surface of the couplings and are independently operable from the male and female sections respectively. Each coupling further includes concentrically spaced inner and outer layers registered about the travel path for defining a cavity and a plurality of annular bearings nested within the cavity and extending about the perimeter of the couplings wherein the bearings are intercalated between the sprockets and the inner layers so that the outer layers of the couplings can independently rotate while the inner layers remain at static positions. The cavities are provided with an interior protective layer nested therein for contacting the bearings and cooperating therewith during rotating conditions. 
   Selected ones of the couplings are preferably provided with spray jets in fluid communication with an external water supply source for discharging a predetermined volume of water onto the users and selected ones of the couplings include a plurality of slots formed therein. 
   The assembly preferably further includes decorative attachments illustrating predetermined themes and provided with at least one protrusion detachably lockable into an associated one of the slots in such a manner that the attachments can be maintained at a substantially stable position about at least one of the couplings while rotating in sync therewith during rotating conditions. 
   The assembly further includes a pool, a lazy river in fluid communication with the pool, a waterslide in fluid communication with one of the pool and the lazy river, an interactive spray ground in fluid communication with one of the waterslide and the lazy river and the pool, a cave operably positioned along the lazy river, a tunnel operably positioned along the lazy river, a waterfall in fluid communication with one of the pool and the lazy river and the waterslide and the spray ground, a rapids stream in fluid communication with one of the pool and the lazy river and the waterslide and the spray ground and the waterfall, and a plurality of detachable modular segments joined together using a plurality of coupling devices for providing a water tight connection between the modular segments. 
   The couplings include a plurality of fittings for conveniently receiving plumbing connections and for effectively facilitating connections with an existing external water filtration and circulation systems. A box is matable with a waterline for connecting a thru-wall skimmer thereto. An outlet is formed within one of the couplings for returning water from the filtration and circulation systems. A plurality of fittings is advantageously formed within an inner wall of the coupling, and a plurality of water jet nozzles is anchored to the fittings for effectively providing a current direction to the lazy river. A plurality of light illuminating sources is anchored within the fittings. Selected ones of the couplings further include at least one coupling handle advantageously attached thereto. At least one coupling wheel is connected to an associated one of the couplings for conveniently transporting the couplings. 
   Each of the couplings further includes a plurality of holes for effectively anchoring a plurality of coupling arches. The outer most ends of the couplings have vertical grooves and attachment holes formed therein respectively for conveniently receiving a plurality of supports and a plurality of wheels and a plurality of handles and a plurality of waterfall decorations respectively. A slot is formed therein for receiving a rupture gate. Such a rupture gate includes a plurality of cross bars supporting the rupture gate to an associated one of the couplings respectively. 
   The coupling arches have semi-circular shapes and are attached to associated ones of the couplings. Such coupling arches are outfitted with at least one accessories selected from a group including the water jets and a coconut tree and a dolphin and the light illuminating sources and an outdoor speaker respectively. 
   The modular segments include a plurality of inflatable banks effectively supported by a plurality of metal supports that advantageously resist outward forces of the water and keep the inflatable banks of the assembly erect. A flexible padded flooring has a liner operably connected thereto, and juxtaposed ones of the inflatable banks are separated by the padded flooring. Each of the modular segments is conveniently provided with a plurality of inflation valves associated with a corresponding one of each of the inflatable banks respectively. Each of such inflation valves is in fluid connection via an associated air tube that effectively extends through the inclined surface of the coupling pads respectively for allowing a user to simultaneously inflate the inflatable banks via one of the associated inflation valves respectively. Such metal supports symmetrically extend along a curvature of associated ones of the modular segments and are attached to associated ones of the coupling segments respectively. 
   One end of each of the modular segments further includes a first rubber gasket that has spaced holes formed therein. Such gaskets are abutted against the couplings for providing a watertight seal. Each of such couplings includes a plurality of grooves formed on both sides of respectively inner walls thereof, and a second gasket is positioned about the grooves. A plurality of third gaskets is lined along an upper and outermost perimeter of the groove for providing a watertight seal between the couplings and the modular segments respectively. 
   The modular segments further include a plurality of brackets directly attached to the first gaskets respectively such that the first gaskets are fixedly secured to the coupling during operating conditions. Such brackets include a plurality of vertical securing brackets and a plurality of corner securing brackets and a horizontal base securing bracket coupled to each of the modular segments respectively. Selected ones of the brackets conveniently include a decorative covering for effectively shielding the selected brackets from a visible line of sight. Such a decorative covering is advantageously affixed to an associated one of the inflatable banks of the modular segments via a fastener. The decorative covering is selectively inflatable along the inflatable banks of the assembly. 
   The modular segments further include a coupling pad located behind the first gasket. Such a coupling pad has an inclined surface that effectively smoothes out a plane disposed between one of the modular segments and an associated one of the couplings respectively. Each coupling pad covers a corresponding one of the base securing brackets and is fixedly maintained by a plurality of suction cups removably affixed to a center surface of the coupling. The waterslide includes a hydraulically operated water slide platform. Each of the slide platforms is effectively secured to a back of a flat bed trailer for advantageously varying a height of the platforms. A plurality of out riggers is operably coupled to the platforms for conveniently assisting an operator to adjust the height of the platforms. A plurality of anchor platforms effectively supports a bottom end of the waterslide in the pool. Each of such anchor platforms conveniently includes a plurality of cavities filled with a predetermined volume of weighted products for effectively maintaining the anchor platforms statically engaged with a base of the pool. At least one bench is seated within the pool. Such an at least one bench includes at least one of the air jets, and a patio umbrella attached thereto. At least one ladder is spaced along the assembly for advantageously allowing a user easy ingress and egress from the water park and further allowing a user to conveniently access the waterslides disposed throughout the water park. 
   It is noted the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
     The novel features believed to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a modular aquatic assembly, in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a bottom plan view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the metal supports; 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the pool; 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view showing the pool floor and inflatable banks; 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a coupling; 
       FIG. 18  is a top plan and perspective view of a coupling as viewed from the base of the coupling; 
       FIG. 19  is a side elevational view of the vertical securing brackets, the curved securing brackets and the base securing brackets respectively; 
       FIG. 20  is a partial cross sectional view of couplings joined together with the liner gasket; 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a coupling arch and couplings joined together; 
       FIG. 22  is a perspective and cross sectional view of an arch respectively; 
       FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a coupling handle; 
       FIG. 24  is a top plan and bottom plan view of a skimmer plate respectively; 
       FIG. 25  is a top plan view of a water slide platform in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
       FIG. 27  is a cross sectional view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
       FIG. 28  is a side elevational view of a water slide platform; 
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the coupling wheels; 
       FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a coupling island; 
       FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a rupture gate; 
       FIG. 32  is a perspective view of a pool bench and pool stool respectively; 
       FIG. 33  is a perspective view of a pool ladder; 
       FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a rock cave and waterfalls; 
       FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a water jets apparatus; 
       FIG. 36  is a perspective view of coupling decorations; and 
       FIG. 37  is a perspective view of an anchor platform. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, this embodiment is provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/076,764 is incorporated herein by reference. 
   Now referring to the new embodiments and initially  FIGS. 11 ,  14 ,  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  20 ,  26 ,  34  and  35 , the assembly  100  is a portable water park  101  that can be setup virtually anywhere space is available. It includes multiple pools  120 , a lazy river  121 , waterslides  122 , interactive spray grounds  123 , caves  124 , spray tunnels  125 , waterfalls  126 , rapids  127  and many more amenities. Of course, many different types of amenities may be used, as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. The water park  101  is divided into modular segments  128 , which is essential for easy assembly, disassembly and transportation. These modular segments  128  are joined together using a coupling device  129  that provides a water tight connection between segments  128 . The banks  130  of the modular segments  128  are inflatable and can be of various shapes and designs, as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. The banks  130  are supported by metal supports  131  that resist the outward forces of the water and keep the banks  130  of the assembly  100  erect. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 14 ,  16 ,  17  and  18 , the water park  101  is divided into modular segments  128 . Each modular segment  128  consists of inflatable banks  130 , metal supports  131 , flexible padded flooring  132 , liner  133  and coupling pads  199 . These are the basic units that make up the modular segments  128 . The couplings  129  are used to connect these modular segments  128  together. Modular segments  128  can be of various sizes, shapes, or designs, as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Regardless of their sizes or designs, all modular segments  128  advantageously connect to each other in same manner. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19  and  20 , the end of each modular segment  128  is a rubber gasket  134  with evenly spaced holes  135 . This gasket  134  is called the liner gasket  134 . The length and width of this gasket  134  is the same as the inner dimensions of the rigid plastic couplings  129 , which is essential for providing a watertight seal. These couplings  129  have two (3″×2″) grooves  136  on both sides of their inner walls. At the bottom of each groove  136  is a rubber gasket  137  that has matching screw holes  138  and is permanently attached to the coupling  129 . Another set of gaskets  139  also line the upper and outermost perimeter of this groove  136 . These gaskets  139  help to provide a watertight seal between the couplings  129  and the modular segments  128 . The liner gaskets  134  of the modular segments  128  are designed to fit snuggly into the grooves  136  of the coupling  129 . The liner gasket  134  is inserted in a manner that allows the holes  135  of the liner gasket  134  to align with the gasket holes  138  of the couplings  129 . The liner gasket  134  is then secured to the coupling  129  with securing brackets  140 . Bolt cavity  307  is predrilled into inner walls of the grooves  129  for receiving a fastener therethrough. 
   Again referring to  FIGS. 16 ,  17 ,  19  and  20 , these are rigid plastic brackets  140  used to provide a constant pressure between the coupling  129  and the gaskets  134  and  139 , which is critical to provide a watertight connection. These brackets  140  have screw holes  141  that also align with both the screw holes  135 ,  138  of the liner gasket  134  and the coupling  129 . There are 2 vertical securing brackets  140 A, 2 corner securing brackets  140 B, and 1 horizontal base securing bracket  140 C. The brackets  140  are fastened by the use of heavy duty bolts. Of course, such brackets  140  can be formed from a variety of materials, as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. The bottom surface of the brackets  140  may be formed from non-corrosive material having a hollow mesh pattern for effectively reducing the weight of the bracket  140  without reducing the strength thereof. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , each modular segment  128  is outfitted with a coupling pad  199  located just behind the liner gasket  134 , which is vital for protecting patrons from injuring themselves on the couplings  129 . Coupling pads  199  have a gradual incline that smoothes out the plane between the modular segments  128  and the coupling  129 . The pads  199  cover the base securing brackets  140 C and are held in place by small suction cups  142  (similar to that of a bath mat) that affix to the center surface of the coupling floors  143 . This process is repeated for all successive segments  128  until all segments  128  are connected. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 16 , the banks  130  of each modular segment  128  are inflatable to an extent that it advantageously provides the banks  130  with a distinct shape and offers a protective cushioning for patrons. Such inflatable banks  130  are separated by a padded non inflatable flooring  132 . There are two inflation valves for each modular segment  128 , one for each bank  130 . However, the inflation valves are connected to each other by an air tube  145  that runs through the inclined section of the coupling pad  199 , which is important such that both wall segments  146  can be inflated simultaneously by using only one inflation valve. This helps to reduce setup time. 
   Again referring to  FIGS. 14 and 16 , once the banks  130  are inflated, they are supported and kept erect using various metal supports  131  that are designed to match the shapes of the modular segments  128 . The shapes of these metal supports  131  will match the curvature and shapes of the modular segments  128 . Metal supports  131  are also attached to coupling segments  129 , which is essential to provide greater stability (optional). Of course, such supports  131  can be formed from a variety of suitable materials, as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
   Again referring to  FIGS. 16 and 19 , once all the metal supports  131  are in place, the couplings  129  are covered with a decorative covering  147  for aesthetic purposes. This decorative covering  147  is affixed to the inflatable section of the modular segment  128  by using a heavy duty zipper  299 . The decorative covering  147  conceals the metal supports  131  all the way to the ground. This covering  147  inflates by 2 inches, which is critical so that it provides a uniformly smoothed appearance (without kinks and creases) along the banks  130  of the water park  101 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 17 ,  18  and  21 , the couplings  129  are outfitted with fittings  150  to receive plumbing connections and other accessories. The couplings  129  are designed to facilitate connections to and from water filtration and circulation systems that are available on the market today. These connections allow water to be effectively circulated and filtered. At the top of the coupling  129  is a rectangular passage  170  which meets the waterline. This fitting  170  allows for the connection of a Thru-wall skimmer. This provides filtration for surface debris. Another outlet used for filtration is located at the bottom of the coupling  129  and is used for water outlet/pump return. This outlet  210  connects to a regular 2½ inch plumbing but has a recessed cavity designed to house anti-entrapment safety drain covers (not shown) that are available on the market today. These advantageously prevent patrons from getting stuck to the pump return fittings. There are three threaded 2½″ fittings  150  which are designed to house water jet nozzles (not shown) that will be used to provide a current to the lazy river  121 . These fittings  150  can also be used to house waterproof lights that will illuminate the water at night. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 17 ,  18 ,  21  and  22 , at the top of both walls of the coupling  129  are three holes  152  which are used to anchor the coupling arches  160  via pegs  309 . The outer most ends of both sides of the coupling  129  have vertical grooves  305  and attachment holes  304  for the attachment of supports  131 , wheels  166 , handles  165  and other necessary equipment. 
   Referring to  FIG. 31 , each coupling  129  has a narrow slot  306  for the insertion of a rupture gate  159 . A rupture gate  159  is used to provide an almost watertight separation of segments  128 . The gates  159  are used in the event of an emergency or when water levels of pools are slightly different. Rupture gates  159  are supported using cross bars  209 . Brackets  315  are provided with notches formed therein and help secure the cross bars  209  in place after being inserted into the slots  158 . Notably, each slot  158  is provided with a beveled top opening  316  for guiding the cross bars  209  downwardly along the rupture gate  159 . The bottom ends  317  of the slots  158  have spherical pockets formed therein for receiving the bottom ends of the cross bars  209  and maintaining same at substantially stable positions during operating conditions. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 21 ,  22 ,  35  and  36 , the coupling arches  160  are half circle arches that are attached to the couplings  129  to provide further enjoyment for users. It is outfitted with screw holes  161  to allow for the attachment of accessories such as water jets  262  that advantageously provide a waterfall effect for patrons traveling underneath it. The inlet port  288  is suitably sized and shaped for receiving a water supply line such that water continuously flows therethrough and sprays mist over patrons traveling in the lazy river. The screw holes  161  on the arches  160  allow for the attachment of decorations  147 A such as coconut trees and dolphins, as well as lights and outdoor speakers. A plurality of pegs  309  extend downwardly from the ends of the arches  160  and fit into corresponding holes of the brackets. Notably, the arches  160  are preferably formed from light weight or otherwise hollow material for reducing tensional stress on the couplings during operating conditions. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 25 ,  26  and  27 , commercial size water parks  101  can be made by adding more segments  128  or by designing larger pool segments  128  using the same concepts discussed earlier. Larger waterslides  122  are facilitated by use of a water slide platform  162 A,  162 B. This is a specially designed platform  162  that is elevated to different levels by the use of hydraulics. The platforms  162  are designed to be secured to the back of a flat bed trailer to obtain varying heights for the platforms  162 . These platforms  162  are stabilized with out riggers if necessary. The water slide platform  162  is arranged in a manner to have multiple heights and levels and to provide a sturdy and safe platform  162  to secure water slides  122  that are available on the market today. The water slides  122  are secured to the platform  162  using bolts, screws and other conventional methods. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 28 and 37 , anchor platforms  163  are used to support water slides  122  when they enter the pool  120 . These platforms  163  are made in different sizes and shapes, which is crucial to provide a secure anchor point for water slides  122  when they enter the pool  120 . They have cavities  164  that are filled with weighted products, such as sand, to keep them secured to the base of the pool  120 . The anchor platforms  163  are also used to anchor the various structures and toys used in the interactive spray grounds  123 . Hydraulically operable support members  246  are selectively adaptable along vertical paths for lifting and lowering the platform  162  as needed. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 23 ,  29  and  32 , coupling handles  165  and coupling wheels  166  are used to transport the couplings  129  during setup. Each coupling handle includes a pair of outer U-shaped brackets  301  provided with inwardly extending shoulders  302  terminating apart from each other. Such shoulders  302  are suitably sized and shaped for slidably mating and fitting with notches  305  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) formed along the vertical portions of the couplings  129  (as perhaps best shown in  FIG. 17 ). Each bracket  301  has horizontally aligned holes formed therein. Such holes  303  become registered with associated ones of apertures  304  (shown in  FIG. 21 ) formed in the couplings  129  for receiving a fastener therethrough. Benches  177  and stools  167 , made of plastic, are outfitted with holes  168  that allow them to sink to the bottom of the pool  120 . They can be used to store products as well as pool toys, and can be outfitted with a cushion or holes for an air jet. Some benches  177  have specially designed holes  172  for securing patio umbrellas. Of course, such handles  165 , wheels  166 , benches  177  and stools  167  can be produced in a variety of shapes and sizes, as is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 24 and 30 , a coupling island  169  is used for larger commercial water parks or when a much wider lazy river  121  is desired.  FIG. 30  shows two top plan views and a side elevational view of the coupling island  160 . A plurality of notches  311  are formed along outer edges of the island  169  for receiving couplings  129  therein. If a width of 16 ft is desired, two regular 7 ft couplings  129  can be connected together using a coupling island  169  to provide a lazy river  121  that is 16 ft wide. This prevents the need for making couplings  129  that are 16 ft wide. These coupling islands  169  can later be disguised to look like a rock, or a small island with a palm tree. Skimmer plates  270  close the skimmer fitting  170  for those segments  128  that are not outfitted with a Thru-wall skimmer. 
   Referring to  FIG. 33 , ladders  219  are sized and shaped to fit the coupling walls, and are connected to various points along the water park  101  for allowing a user easy ingress and egress from the water park  101 , and also allowing a user to access the various waterslides  122  throughout the water park  101 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 34 , the couplings  129  can be outfitted with additional supports for defining a cave-like structure  124 . This is accomplished through the use of metal  131  and plastic  200  supports that are attached to the coupling sleeves  202 . These supports  131 ,  200  form a sturdy structural frame  204  that resembles a cave  124 . These supports  131 ,  200  have heavy duty snap on buttons  201  that facilitate the addition of a decorative cave covering  203 . The coverings  203  are made from synthetic material or rubber and they have rock shapes and patterns. They are divided into various segments and are assembled on the frame  204  like a puzzle. These decorative coverings  203  are also outfitted with buttons  205  that mate with those on the frame  204 . Once assembled, the decorative coverings  203  enable the structure to resemble a rock cave  124 . The entrance and exits of the cave  124  can be outfitted with spray jets  262  in order to simulate a waterfall  126  at the entrance and exits. 
   As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 35 , the assembly  100  includes a spray tunnel  276  created by water hose  255  placed on the banks  130  of the lazy river  121 . The jets of the water hose  255  form an arch through which a user travels. Spray tunnels  276  are achieved by attaching a hose  255  or pipe  255  (shown in  FIG. 35 ) outfitted with evenly spaced nozzles, to portions  299  (shown in  FIG. 14 ) of the banks  130  of the lazy river  121 . The banks  130  of the lazy river  121  are outfitted with buttons  206  that mate with buttons  207  of the spray tunnel hose  255 . At the end of the spray tunnel hose  255  is a pipe fitting that enables a regular garden hose fitting to be connected to the spray tunnel pipe  255 . 
   Thus, an arched water fall is dissipated over the lazy river to provide a stimulating and soothing passage of spray mist or heavier rain fall, as desired over extended operating conditions. Spray tunnel hoses  255  can also be outfitted with small lights or LEDs to provide wonderful illumination at night. Also, as perhaps best shown in  FIG. 12 , the floor  298  of the main pool  120  can have photo-luminescent material that enables the company logo to glow in the dark. The main pool  120  also has an expandable floor that can be adjusted to various depths, as desired by the operator. 
   While the invention has been described with respect to a certain specific embodiment, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 
   In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the present invention may include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation. The assembly and use of the present invention are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art.