One of the more interesting patents to be issued recently is U.S. Patent No. 7,036,449, entitled "Man-Made Island And Resort Complex With Surface And Underwater Entertainment, Educational And Lodging Facilities." Invented by Kimberly Michelle Sutter, this "self-sufficient man-made island complex" appears to have it all. According to the patent, the complex has "a plurality of interconnected islands housing a theme resort simulating a tropical paradise in which the guests have a multitude of activities in which they interact and learn about nature." These activities include basketball, volleyball, racquetball, tennis, underwater ice skating, golf, paint ball, bowling, shark- and whale-watching, shopping, exotic bird-watching, bobsledding, skateboarding, hot air ballooning, skydiving, bungee jumping, and, of course, scuba diving. The patent further explains that the complex includes several dolphin-shaped hotels, various restaurants, an airport, a planetarium, a waterfall, and a wolf habitat. To top it all off, guests can be hurled through the air into the water using a compressed air cannon. No word yet on whether Mr. Roarke and Tattoo greet guests as they arrive.

U.S. Patent No. 7,036,449: LINK

A website presenting additional information about the complex, as well as animations, is located here: LINK

Selected Patent Images:
Man-Made Island And Resort Complex: LINK
Dolphin-shaped Hotel: LINK
Compressed Air Cannon Transporting Guest to Another Island: LINK
Wolf Habitat: LINK