AU2003231706B2 - Personal swim craft with an underwater viewing area - Google Patents

Description

PERSONAL SWIM CRAFT WITH AN UNDERWATER VIEWING AREA TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates generally to underwater viewing devices and the flotation craft in which they are embodied, but more specifically, but not exclusively, to a comfort oriented craft that can provide a crystal clear, trouble free, underwater viewing area embodied within it rather than a viewing device, with comfort and view replicating that which is experienced with conventional mask and snorkel use.

BACKGROUND ART Many people cannot use conventional masks and snorkels. This may be apparent in the number of devices, crafts, and apparatuses that have emerged to aid these people.

Glass bottom boats and buckets with clear pane bottoms were probably first to appear, but they lacked the personal, up-close experience. Then somewhere, someone must have cut a hole in a surfboard or other such floating craft and affixed a clear pane of glass or other such transparent material to the bottom, and the glass bottom raft was born.

The commercial possibilities of such a device were then obviously realized and prior art began to appear. Problems early on were apparent. Condensation forming on the inside surface of the transparent pane was one such problem. This is the equivalent of fogging in a mask when diving or snorkelling. Another was the removal of water splashed by others swimmers or the user onto the inside surface of the viewing pane, obstructing the view. A problem again experienced with conventional mask and snorkel use when the seal of the mask around the user's face is not complete and leaking can result. Thereafter, inventors created several viewing devices and crafts to address these problems. These devices required expensive tooling for molds as well as a craft adapted or manufactured to accommodate such devices. These inventions addressed the aforementioned problems, but required the user to support their heads and shoulders to view into the viewing device because of collars, turrets, or nothing. The problem of keeping splashed or otherwise extraneous water from the viewing surface was addressed but not prevented.

1 Other solutions came in the form of molded facial supports, cowls, or masks to confine the face within to block extraneous water from entering the viewing surface of a single pane construction. Using multiple transparent panes eliminated water being trapped on the viewing surface and distorting the view, but required the users face to be confined over the viewing port to keep extraneous light from entering which would refract off of the transparent panes and negate the view below the surface of the water. These inventions not only created a claustrophobic environment by eliminating the users peripheral vision, but also a serious safety issue, especially when used in waters with boat traffic.

These inventions are as follows: Prior art describes several viewing devices that are part of the craft or flotation device that are used for underwater viewing. U.S. Pat. No. 2,712,139 issued on Jul. 5, 1955 to E. L. Kelly describes an underwater viewing device that is part of a flotation body. The underwater viewing device consists of a rectangular sleeve that resides inside a well that is formed within the flotation body. The sleeve is constructed of a metallic, plastic, or other rigid material. A viewing device for a flotation body is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,595 issued on Jul. 4, 1989 to R. B. Nealy. In the preferred embodiment, the viewing device for flotation bodies comprises an open-ended cylindrical body and one transparent end wall. In another embodiment, a pair of transparent end walls at opposite ends of the cylindrical body are utilized. To one skilled in the art, prior art here requires expensive tooling for molds, nor does the viewing device provide for any measure of comfort.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,081,726 issued on Mar. 19, 1963 to W. M. Betts et al. describes a flotation body on which a person can rest and that is provided with a viewing window that is located and positioned such that a person resting on the float can look down into the water. This too requires expensive tooling to create a viewing device. U.S. Pat. No. 4,691,658 issued on Sep. 8, 1987 to D. S. New et al. describes an aquatic sport device that includes a buoyant board configured for supporting a user in a prone position and sized to enable the user to manually paddle while in a prone position. A sight opening is provided through the buoyant board in an optical system configured for enabling the user to look through the board and perceive in a forward direction towards the bow of the buoyant board while paddling. An underwater viewing device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,539 issued on 2 Jan. 23, 1990 to T. E. Bender. The underwater viewing device consists of a tube having a plurality of opaque sides that project upwardly from a horizontal planar surface made of a transparent material.

A buoyant board for viewing underwater objects while an observer is lying in a prone position is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,459 issued on Sep. 5, 1995 to N. R. Hammond.

The buoyant board has a seamless, unitary construction with a viewing well extending through the body of the board. That is integrally formed with the body. Prior art here requires the user to use their face to plug the upper opening of the well to prevent extraneous water and/or light from obstructing the view. U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,082 issued on Sep. 30, 1997 to E. Binder describes a floating underwater viewing device. The floating underwater viewing device has a columnar configuration with top and bottom windows. A pair of toroidal floats are circumferentially disposed around the device.

A buoyant platform with a built-in transparent viewing panel is described in British Patent No. 2,165,186A published in April 1986. A raft with a window located at the bow end of the raft is described in British Patent document 2,188,881A published in October 1987.

A watercraft and viewing unit is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,055 issued Dec. 19, 1995. The watercraft has a hull with a viewing opening therein extending between upper and lower portions of the hull. A transparent viewing unit is fitted within the viewing opening. Prior art again necessitates a viewing device in conjunction with a craft adapted for the device. Said viewing device will require expensive tooling for molds and a cowl or mask for the face to be placed into to prevent extraneous light from entering the viewing device which negates the view below the water.

None of the above inventions, taken singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. The present invention appears to be singular in design and function.

SUMMARY OF ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a specially designed craft with a liquid filled viewing area 3 for viewing below the surface of the water. The viewing area of the craft provides an open-air, non-restricted, clear and trouble free view of the underwater world with direct emphasis on comfort, simplicity, and function.

Before the SCUBA mask and Aqua Lung were developed, the only means to explore the world below the surface of the water was with diving bells and heavy helmented diving suits with leaded boots. Both of these were launched from boats and tethered by a cable and air hose. Dive masks, snorkels, and SCUBA tanks changed all that. This gear made it possible for ordinary people of all walks to experience the creatures and scenery below the water with unbridled freedom of movement. Comfort and view were also unprecedented.

Comfort came from the body being suspended in the water with no stress or strain on the neck, shoulders, or back. The only part of the body that required muscle use was in the legs for movement through the water by kicking. The view is up close and personal, with the lens of a mask inches from the users eyes and the water into which the user is viewing is against the outer surface of the lens. An arrangement that creates a secondary water level beneath the lens. A combination that creates an effect experienced by snorkelers and scuba divers in which objects below the surface appear twenty five times larger, making one feel more a part of the world below the water into which they view.

However, with all these advantages, problems with conventional mask and snorkel use occur. Problems for many that cause difficulty of use and discomfort or prevents others from using the devices all together. Prior art has not adequately addressed these problems or provided for the many of the advantages. Still others, in addressing the problems of both conventional snorkel gear and those of earlier prior art, created yet other problems of comfort and/or safety.

Users of conventional masks can experience condensation or fogging of the inside surface of the mask lens. Prior art of crafts and/or viewing devices incorporating a single transparent end wall at the bottom or hull side of these devices can not prevent water from being splashed onto the inside surface of the transparent pane or end wall. The collars and/or turrets embodied in these devices can also cause condensation or fogging of the inside surface from climatic changes or the users breath. Either of these conditions would require the user to return to shallow water or shore for removal. In the context of comfort, 4 it is not addressed. Users must hold their heads up over the viewing area or device; straining the neck, shoulder, and back muscles or supporting themselves on their elbows.

Both positions limit viewing time according to the physical condition of the user and with physical condition being relative to age, this precludes a large section of the population from using these inventions at all.

Later prior art addressed the aforementioned problems in-part. The embodiments incorporated in one was a specially designed craft where the top of the viewing area was molded to conform to the users face. Though comfort was addressed, it was neither complete nor singular in purpose. There is no padding around the facial port and the face placed over and into the viewing port was what kept extraneous water and light from the inside of the viewing area. Another invention addresses the problem of extraneous water and provides a measure of comfort. However, the viewing device being basically a transparent trapezoidal box that is heretically sealed with a centrally disposed interior, will form condensation on the inside of the viewing device with changes in the climate. The same problem experienced with conventional snorkel masks. Comfort in another invention was provided in the form of a cowl, but as the invention above is not singular in purpose.

The cowl is crucial in the proper operation of the viewing device. Furthermore, people who are precluded from using a snorkel mask because of claustrophobia clearly are precluded from using this device.

With all things considered, the principal advantages of the present invention may include, but are not limited: A) To provide a craft for viewing below the surface of the water through a viewing area that eliminates costly tooling for a viewing device.

B) To provide a craft with a viewing area that provides the advantages and resolves the disadvantages of snorkeling with mask and snorkel.

C) To provide a craft that singularly for no other purpose addresses comfort of the user.

D) To provide a craft where by the upper surface of the craft automatically positions the user in a posture that replicates that of conventional snorkel gear users.

E) To provide a craft that delivers a level of comfort that is not only unequal to prior art, but replicates that experienced by users of conventional snorkel gear by holding the neck and spine in alignment while comfortably, without confines, supports the head and body, removing all manner of strain from the neck, shoulders, arms, and back.

F) To provide a craft with an underwater viewing area that, by design, will not cause fatigue or discomfort that would be the factor in limiting ones viewing time.

G) To provide a craft with an open-aired, non-confining underwater viewing area that can be used by those who are otherwise precluded from using a conventional mask because of claustrophobia.

H) To provide a craft with an underwater viewing area that can be used by the vast majority including the young, old, and the physically challenged.

I) To provide an underwater viewing area within a craft that accomplishes the removal of extraneous water with a simple and automatic means.

J) To provide an underwater viewing area within a craft that through design, makes fogging and the forming of condensation on the interior or exterior of the viewing area a non-existent issue.

K) To provide an underwater viewing area that delivers the clarity and visual enhancement experienced with conventional snorkel masks.

L) To provide a craft that allows a user to not only lie prone and view below the surface of the water, but also lie transposed for relaxation or sunning.

Further advantages of the invention is to provide a rigid, seamless said craft, with an underwater viewing area that requires no tooling by such means as blow or roto-molding, and/or an inflatable craft. Still further advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided a personal swim craft having an underwater viewing area including: a deck portion where upon a person lying prone is held in total body support, comfort, and ergonomic alignment replicating that which is experienced when a person floats prone in the water; a head support near the bow of said craft that rises above the horizontal plane of said craft's deck that comfortably supports the head of a user, placing eyes directly over said viewing area and aligns the users neck and spine in a natural, comfortable, and strain free manner; a freeboard or side portion of said craft, port and starboard, that slants downwardly and outwardly from said deck that allows the arms to be supported by said sides of said craft in a downwardly position removing stretch and strain from said-users chest and shoulders and allowing full range of motion when paddling; a walled cavity within said craft which is sealed with an upper and lower transparent pane at upper and lower openings of said cavity, forming a watertight void between said upper and lower transparent panes and filled with a transparent fluid; and a vent for the filling of said void, completely with a transparent liquid eliminating all air bubbles, thus creating said underwater viewing area.

Preferably the craft is rigid. Alternatively the craft is inflatable. Preferably the deck is lower than the outer perimeters of said craft, positioning and cradling a user, such as a child, in the center of said craft automatically, preventing the user from falling off said craft.

Desirably the invention includes a head support in combination with a viewing area that provides a non-restrictive or confined open-air facial environment that allows peripheral vision for safer operation.

Preferably the vertical vents extending through said craft remove air trapped below lower surface of said viewing area. Desirably a gutter aft of said viewing area receives extraneous water from said upper viewing area. Preferably said vent for filling said cavity with a transparent liquid is within said upper transparent pane of said craft.

Desirably the invention includes an underwater viewing area wherein said upper transparent pane is slanted aft for immediate removal of extraneous water. Preferably said vent for filling said cavity with a transparent liquid extends through said craft.

Advantageously said transparent liquid is water. Desirably said water is chemically treated to prevent discoloring and algae.

Desirably said transparent panes are one of acrylic and polycarbonate. Preferably said transparent panes are of a rigid transparent material. Preferably said transparent panes are tempered glass. Desirably said transparent panes are installed over the upper and lower extremities of said cavity by means of electronic welding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 Shows a top view of a rigid craft and underwater viewing area, top surface.

FIG. 1A Shows a cut-away, isometric view from bow of a rigid craft.

FIG. 2 Shows a side, isometric view of a rigid craft.

FIG. 2A Shows a cut-away, isometric side view of underwater viewing area within a rigid craft.

FIG. 2B Shows a side view of a rigid craft with human figure upon craft.

FIG. 2C Shows a frontal, isometric view of a rigid craft with human figure upon craft.

FIG. 3 Shows a top view of an inflatable craft with an underwater viewing area.

FIG. 3A Shows a side, isometric view of an inflatable craft with an underwater viewing area.

FIG. 3B Shows a cut-away, exploded side view of an underwater viewing area within an inflatable craft.

FIG. 4 Shows a perspective top view of an inflatable craft.

FIG. 4A Shows a cut-away, exploded side view of an underwater viewing area in an inflatable craft.

FIG. 4B Shows a cut-away side view of alternate viewing area embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 4, 4A, and 4B--Preferred Embodiments 8 A preferred embodiment of a rigid craft with an underwater viewing area of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. A top view shows the layout of the upper surface of the craft. Beginning at the bow, a cushioned head support 112 is shown with vertical vents 106 either side that extend through the depth of the craft 99. Immediately aft of the head support 112 is a viewing area. A transparent pane 100 comprises the upper surface of the viewing area herein known as, upper transparent pane. Said upper most transparent pane 100 has to either side a pair of combination cup holders and vertical vents 110. Shown located on the starboard side of said upper transparent pane 100, near the base of said head support 112, is a fluid fill and drain vent 108, and a recloseable cap 107, not shown.

Immediately behind the viewing areas upper transparent pane, is a gutter 102 extending beam to beam and a set of scuppers 104. The area immediately to port and starboard of said upper transparent pane 100 is horizontal with said pane and extends to both port and starboard beam comprising a viewing deck 100B. Aft of said viewing deck 100B is a padded deck 103. Said deck supports the upper body of a user. Padded deck 103 and head support 112 are two aspects of a craft 99 that addresses comfort with singular purpose.

Said rigid craft of the present invention are manufactured by blow molding or roto-molded, one-piece seamless construction. Other means of comfort will be obvious in following drawings.

A cut-away, isometric view FIG. lA, seen from the bow of a rigid craft 99, detail such components as a viewing deck 100B as seen in FIG. 1, and components below an upper transparent pane 100 as seen in FIG. 1 that make up the viewing area. The viewing area is comprised of an upper transparent pane 100, and a lower transparent material, hereafter referred to as lower transparent pane 100A, and a walled 118 cavity 114 extending vertically through said craft 99 as seen in FIG. lA, that transcends the depth of said craft from top surface of said viewing deck 100B to the lower surface of a hull 117 in a trapezoidal configuration. The upper opening of said cavity has a recessed lip 116 around the perimeter edges of said cavity and said cavity opening through the lower surface of said hull 117 also possess a recessed lip 116A around the perimeter edges of said cavity.

The perimeter shape of said upper transparent pane 100 matches that of said upper recessed lip of said cavity and is of adequate dimension to fit securely into and upon said upper recessed lip. The perimeter shape of said lower transparent pane 100A matches that of said lower recessed lip of said cavity and is of adequate dimension to fit securely into and upon 9 said lower recessed lip. Said upper and lower transparent panes can be of plexiglass, PVC, polycarbonate, tempered glass, or any transparent material of adequate clarity. Said upper and lower transparent panes are sealed in place within said upper and lower recessed area by a simple chemical bonding agent or adhesive, such as but not limited to epoxy,

LIFESEAL

T M a polyurethane silicone compound, or 3M 5200TM, a Dow Chemical product, forming a sealed watertight area within a centrally hollow area of said cavity. A fluid fill and drain vent 108 is shown incorporated integrally into said craft, out of the way of a users view below the water. It is through said vent that said cavity can be filled with a transparent liquid, such as water, until all air is removed from said cavity. Said upper and lower panes, encapsulating the inner space of said cavity and filling of said cavity with a transparent liquid, comprises a simple straight forward underwater viewing area that requires no tooling for molds. In other words, no device, contraption, or costly fabrication.

Preferred embodiments shown in FIG. lA are a combination cup holders and vertical vents 110. Said vents extend from the bottoms of said cup holders, downwardly through said craft into a hull recessed area 132 that expands outwardly around said lower transparent pane perimeter. Said vents 110 are but two means by which trapped air below said lower transparent pane is removed when said craft is placed into the water. A gutter 102 from which a set of scuppers 104 extend downwardly through said craft are shown in FIG. lA also. Said gutter and said scuppers, being immediately aft of said upper transparent pane, provide for easy, automatic removal of extraneous water from the top surface of said upper transparent pane.

FIG. 2 is a side, isometric exploded view of a rigid craft 99. A vertical vent 106 is shown to starboard of a head support 112. A second said vertical vent is positioned on the port side, not shown. Said vertical vents extend from the upper surface of said craft downwardly through the craft into said recessed area 132. Said vertical vents in conjunction with said combination cup holder verticals FIG. lA remove air that may become trapped below said craft, inhibiting the view below the water. An upper transparent pane 100 and a lower transparent pane 100A are shown in an exploded view indicating placement of said upper and lower transparent panes. It is the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2 in which said upper transparent pane is on a grade slanted aft in conjunction. This embodiment provides for splashed or otherwise extraneous water to drain off automatically into a gutter 102 then down a set of scuppers 104, one shown, away from said viewing deck and upper transparent pane. A craft 99 of FIG. 2 with a padded head support 112, placed at a height relative to a padded deck 103 allows for the face of a user to rest comfortably over said upper transparent pane of viewing area without making contact. Further advantages of comfort will be obvious in following drawing.

FIG. 2A is an exploded, cut-away, side detail of an underwater viewing area in a rigid craft with an upper transparent pane 100 slanted. Shown is a fluid fill and drain vent 108 integrated into a rigid craft 99. A walled 118 cavity 114 through said craft and centered within said craft is directly below a head support 112. The upper perimeter shape of said cavity can be, but not limited to, rectangular or oval in shape and of sufficient dimensions to provide a wide field of view. In any case, said cavity of FIG. 2A moves downwardly and outwardly in a trapezoidal configuration to and through hull 117. A slanted viewing deck 100B is shown on equal plane with the upper opening of said cavity. A recessed lip 116 around said cavity upper perimeter edges providing a ledge on to which an upper transparent pane 100, of equal shape and dimension, may rest into and upon covering said cavity opening. Accordingly, a lower recessed lip 16A providing the same function as said upper recessed lip, allowing for a lower transparent pane to fit securely into and upon, covering completely said cavity lower opening. As previously explained, said transparent panes can be chemically bonded in place to be watertight or simply snapped into place over a waterproof gasket, not shown, by means of, but not limited to, snap tabs molded in with said craft. When said cavity's centrally void interior, between said upper and lower transparent panes, is filled with a transparent liquid, an underwater viewing area of the present invention is created within said rigid craft. Further embodiments of FIG. 2A shows a port side vertical vent 106, starboard side not shown. Said vents extend from the top side of a rigid craft 99 through said craft into a recessed hull area 132 around the perimeter of said lower transparent pane. Said vertical vents, in conjunction with combination cup holders and vertical vents 110 that also extend through said craft into said recessed hull area, remove air bubbles that may become trapped beneath said lower transparent pane. A gutter 102 is molded into said craft directly aft of said upper viewing pane. Said gutter may be the same width athwartships of said upper transparent pane or extend the full beam of said craft, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. lA. A set of scuppers 104 extends from said gutter downwardly through craft into said recessed hull area. Said scuppers and gutter receives extraneous water that automatically runs off said slanted upper transparent pane 100. Said 11 recessed hull area 132 functions primarily to protect the outer surface of said lower transparent pane 100A from damage whether in or out of the water. The filling of said cavity, with a transparent liquid displacing any and all air from within said cavity, not only eliminates any problem with condensation or fogging of the inside or outside surfaces of said upper and lower transparent panes, but enhances the view below the water by making objects below the surface appear twenty five times larger. Replicating the same twenty five percent magnification experienced with conventional snorkel and SCUBA masks.

In FIG. 2B a side view of rigid craft 99 with a slanted viewing deck 100B and resulting slanted upper transparent pane 100. A human shape 134 is also shown representing body position upon said craft herein known as user. An isometric side representation shows a pair of inner cavity walls 118, that define the shape and position of said cavity relative to the head and face of a user. The upper transparent pane 100 and lower transparent pane 100B are in their respective places covering and sealing watertight the upper and lower 1 5 extremity of said cavity. It is with said drawing that one skilled in the art can see, in perspective, the advantages addressed in the area of comfort and ease of use. Firstly, the head of said user is supported comfortably upon a head support 112 and the body of said user reclines upon a padded deck 103. The height of said head support, relative to said deck, aligns both neck and spine 133 of said user and provides total body support; eliminating all stress or strain from a users neck, shoulders, and back. Total body support and alignment that replicates that of a snorkeler using conventional gear. A nonconforming, open-air space below and around said face and head of said user, allows cool, unrestricted breathing and unblocked peripheral vision. An embodiment that not only makes use of the present invention possible for those who suffer from claustrophobia but also embraces a measure of safety when used around other swimmers and more especially boat traffic. Note the upper arms of said user move slightly outwardly and downwardly in a relaxed, natural manner, embracing said craft. Allowing for range of motion, like that of a natural swimming motion, when paddling.

FIG. 2C shows a front view of said craft 99 with a human figure 134 in correct position upon said craft. Human figure will herein be referred to as user. The users head is reposed upon said head support 112. The arms of said user are held, as previously mentioned, outwardly and downwardly along the sides of said craft 99. The shoulders and arms of said 12 user are totally reposed and supported by said craft 99. An isometric illustration shows a front view of said crafts underwater viewing area comprised of said upper transparent pane 100, said lower transparent pane 100A, said transparent fill and drain vent 108, and said centrally hollow cavity through said craft indicated by said inner walls 118. Shown also is said recessed hull area 132 and said viewing deck 100B. The length of said craft can be, but not limited to, a full body length or a shorter length. Allowing the use of fins for propulsion.

A further preferred embodiment of the present invent is shown in FIG. 3. A top view of an inflatable craft with an underwater viewing area. A craft 99A is comprised of a horseshoe shaped outer air chamber 130 with a lateral air chamber 130A of said craft. An inner air chamber 130B as shown in the drawing is between a deck 103A and a head support 112A and extends, beam to beam, to said outer perimeter air chamber, comprising a viewing deck 100B. Centered in said viewing deck 100B and immediately aft of said head support 112A is an upper transparent material, herein know as pane. The transparent pane in this instance is acrylic or PVC. Said upper transparent pane covers the top opening of a walled, centrally hollow cavity 114 that extends through the full depth of said craft. A vent 108A is shown within said upper pane for filling and draining of said cavity with a transparent liquid. Shown to each side of said upper transparent pane near said head support 112A is a set of forward scuppers 104A that serve also as vertical vents. Aft of said upper transparent pane is a set of aft scuppers 104 that serve also as vertical vents. Said scuppers remove splashed or otherwise extraneous water from said viewing deck 100B and said upper transparent pane 100 that would otherwise negate the view below the water.

FIG. 3A shows an isometric side view of said inflatable craft 99A. Said inner chambers 130A that comprise said deck 103A are seen to reduce in diameter as they move aft. This places said outer air chamber 130A slightly higher than said deck 103A creating a cradling effect for the body of a user and more importantly automatically centers the user on the craft and holds them there. This feature is especially important for young children.

Watercraft, regardless of its material of construction, pose problems for young children much like that of riding a bike. When a child boards a watercraft, he must be centered; otherwise, the craft will tilt causing the child to slide off. The same will happen if the child moves off-center after they have successfully boarded the craft. This could be a dangerous 13 situation if the child has maneuvered craft into water depth beyond their capabilities. A second air chamber 130B is shown between said air chamber 130A and bow of said outer chamber 130. The top exterior portion of said inner air chamber 130B forms a viewing deck 100B that is slanted to aft. Within said inner chamber 130B is formed a walled 118A centrally hollow cavity 114 extending vertically through the expanse of said craft 99A. A pair of inner cavity walls 118A is shown, port and starboard walls are not shown. Said inner cavity walls 118A show a side view of said cavity shape, which is a perpendicular, box shape. In a preferred embodiment, its shape would be trapezoidal, shown in following drawing. The upper extremity or opening of said cavity 114 extending through said viewing deck 100B is covered and seal by an upper transparent pane 100. The lower extremity or opening of said cavity 114 is covered and sealed by a lower transparent pane 100A. A vent 108A for filling of said cavity 114 with a transparent liquid such as water.

The above embodiments comprise an underwater viewing area. A recessed area 132 below said lower transparent pane 100A extending beyond said lower pane 100A fore and aft, as shown. Said recessed area 132 extends also to port and starboard, not shown, of said lower transparent pane 100A. Said recessed area 132 serves to protect said lower transparent pane from damage. A starboard side forward scupper and vertical vent 104A is shown extending from said viewing deck 100B downwardly through said craft 99A into said recessed area 132, port side not shown. Said scupper vents can serve to remove extraneous water from said viewing deck 100B but exist primarily for removal of air bubbles that may become trapped below said lower transparent pane 100OA. Said viewing deck 100B and the upper transparent pane 100, in combination, slant aft moving extraneous water down into a set of scuppers 104, port scupper not shown. Said scuppers 104 extend downwardly through said craft 99A into said recessed area 132. A head support 112A is also shown.

In FIG. 3B, a cut-away, isometric side view of said interior air chamber 130B which occupies the area between said outer air chamber 130, and from said deck 103A to bow of said outer air chamber 130. Detailed in this illustration is said viewing area consisting of said cavity 114, an upper transparent pane 100, a lower transparent pane 100OA, and a centrally hollow cavity 114 between said upper and lower transparent pane. Said upper transparent and lower transparent panes are sealed watertight over the upper and lower extremities of said cavity by means of, but not limited to, a PVC flange lamination 128 electrically welded. A hole or vent 108A within said upper transparent pane for the filling 14 and draining of a transparent liquid with a closeable cap 107 is centered within the aft perimeter expansion of said upper transparent pane 100, above a recessed pocket 118B within said aft wall 1 18A of said cavity 114. This keeps said fill and drain vent 108A from obstructing the view below the water. Said head support 112A is a separate air chamber and is electrically welded adjacent to the forward edge of said upper transparent pane 100 to place a users eyes centrally over said upper transparent pane. Said viewing deck 100B is slanted aft on plane with said upper transparent pane 100 to evacuate any extraneous water downwardly from the surface of said upper transparent pane into a set of scuppers 104.

Port side scupper not shown. Said scuppers 104 in an inflatable craft 99A function as those in a rigid craft 99. A second set of forward scuppers 104A are shown aft of said head support 112A. Port side scupper not shown. These scuppers, though they can remove extraneous water, serve also to remove air that may become trapped below said lower transparent pane 100 A. An inflatable craft with an underwater viewing area possess all the advantages of a rigid craft with an underwater viewing area. Perhaps more in the way of comfort due to its type of construction.

A means of viewing below the water that is trouble free, simple in design, inexpensive, crystal clear, in focus and magnified, with a broad field of view, incorporated integrally into a craft that addresses all points of comfort with singular purpose, makes for consideration of the advantages, of the present invention over that of prior art obvious.

FIGS. 4 and 4A--Alternative Embodiments In accordance with object and advantages of the present invention, alternative embodiments are shown in FIG. 4. A top perspective view of an inflatable craft 99A is shown. Said craft possesses all the embodiments of FIG. 3 and other previous drawings except for an upper transparent pane 100 and the location of an upper vent 108 for filling and draining of a transparent liquid. Said upper transparent pane has a straight aft edge and does not have a vent within it. A vent 108 for filling and draining of a transparent liquid is an integral part of the craft located to one side of said upper transparent pane 100. Said vent 108 is a tube extending from the upper surface of a viewing deck 100B downwardly and exiting into the upper portion of an inner wall 118A of a cavity 114 that extends vertically through the depth of said craft 99A, illustrated in an isometric view. A deck, 103A is shown as well as a head support 112.

FIG. 4A, shows a cutaway, exploded side view of an underwater viewing area within an inflatable craft 99A. The embodiments of previous drawings of an inflatable craft are found in FIG. 4A except for a vent. 108A for the filling and draining of a transparent liquid. Said vent 108A, is an integral part of the craft. A cavity 114 is shown with vertical walls 118A rather than a trapezoidal shape. An upper transparent pane 100, and a lower transparent pane 100A, in conjunction with a cavity 114, through said craft 99A may be larger in width across the beam of said craft 99A. This increase would be such as to equal the interior volume of said cavity 114 between said upper transparent pane 100, and lower transparent pane of a trapezoidal shape. Providing a wide field of view below the surface of the water.

1 5 FIG. 4B shows a side cut-away view of an underwater viewing area of a rigid craft illustrating alternative means of securing said upper and lower transparent panes in place over the upper and lower vertical extremities of said cavity without modifying or altering said transparent panes to facilitate said attachments. Two such means are illustrated in said drawing FIG. 4B. Described first are threaded fasteners 126, which extend through in combination with retaining devices 124. Said fasteners 126, in combination with said retaining devices, are screwed into said craft, within said hull recessed area 132, around and adjacent to the immediate perimeter of said transparent panes. Said retaining devices are of sufficient size to overlap the edge of said lower transparent pane securing said pane within said recessed lip of said, cavities upper and lower perimeters. The number of said fasteners 126 and retaining clips 124 used could be two or more. Said fasteners, clips, and threaded sleeves could be made of any material, such as plastic or stainless steel. Said retaining devices could be, but not limited to, ordinary washers. Said fasteners, not shown, could possess heads of sufficient diameter to overlap upper and lower transparent panes perimeter edges.

Said fasteners, not shown, could be of a button or stud nature, male or female, and snapped into place via mating receptacles, male or female, molded into said craft around the adjacent perimeters of said upper and lower pane 100 and 100OA, securing said panes. Said 16 means of securing said upper and lower transparent panes in place could be provided for with a rigid picture frame type flange 127 being of a material such as, but not limited to, plastic. Said flange could possess attachment points such as, but not limited to, male snap studs 135 that mate with female snap receptacles 136 around and adjacent to said upper and lower transparent panes which are molded into the craft allowing said flange to snap securely in place with the inside perimeter edges of said flange overlapping said upper and lower transparent panes, thus holding said panes captive. Said flange and previously described means of attachment of said upper and lower panes could be utilized in conjunction said sealants, caulks, or adhesives to achieve a watertight seal or a gasket of waterproof material such as, but not limited to, neoprene could be used in place of a chemical type of bond. Many methods exist other than the aforementioned by which said panes are attached to their said locations. The preferred method of the present invention is that which is the most effective and or cost effective. Shown also is a viewing area comprising said viewing deck 100B in combination with said upper transparent pane 100 that is horizontal.

When the craft is launched, with the viewing area filled with a transparent liquid, the lower transparent pane of the craft and the recessed hull area penetrate the surface of the water.

The liquid within the cavity is against the upper transparent pane above the surface of the water. Any air bubbles are expelled from the outer surface of the lower transparent pane via the vertical vents and allowing the lower pane to be in full contact with the water in which the craft floats. The user lies prone in total relaxed comfort. The users eyes are positioned directly over and within inches of the upper transparent pane of the viewing area with no visual restrictions or facial confines. The view through the viewing area from the upper transparent pane immediately into water to the objects below is crystal clear and magnified. The same arrangement when using a mask; eyes, air space, lens, water.

Condensation or fogging within or upon the viewing area can not occur. Water that is splashed by waves or other swimmers onto the slanted upper transparent pane of the viewing area runs off automatically into and down the scuppers. A viewing area providing an absolute trouble free view below the water equal to that provided by a conventional snorkel mask, and combined with a craft that allows that view to be enjoyed by virtually anyone from the very young to very old with no modifications of the craft or viewing area required.

Accordingly, the reader will see that the rigid and inflatable crafts, with an underwater viewing area, can be manufactured very economically by providing a simple means to view below the surface of the water that requires no tooling costs for molds and other related costs. The viewing area of these crafts are filled with a transparent liquid, such as water, through a vent that is removed from the viewing area. The view that is provided is broad in field of view, crystal clear and magnified twenty five times. The forming of fog or condensation on the inner or outer surface of the transparent panes, due to climate changes or users breath is eliminated. The view provided is achieved without the need to block extraneous water or light with cowls or facial ports. Removal of splashed or otherwise extraneous water from the viewing area is automatic because of a slanted upper surface of the viewing area. Nothing can obscure or otherwise disrupt the users view below the surface of the water. In addition, the view provided is further enhanced by the craft within which the viewing area is comprised and in conjunction with. The comfort provided is matched only by that which water provides for a person floating prone while snorkeling with conventional snorkel gear. Furthermore, the craft does not constrict or confine a users head or face. An open-air space across the beam of the craft between the users face and the viewing area provides good ventilation and maintains peripheral view and an overall sense of the surroundings. An obvious safety feature since viewing below the surface of the water requires the head to be down in any case. Further visual restrictions are obviously unwise.

The present invention furthermore provides other advantages in that the viewing area of the craft is not defined by any particular shape or dimension whether horizontally, laterally, or vertically. It can be perfectly rectangular, boxed, or oval. Vertically, it can be trapezoidal or square.

The transparent liquid with which the viewing areas cavity is filled to total occupation can be water that is treated with a number of chemicals such as bleach to prevent browning or algae growth, prolonging refill intervals. This chemical treatment could be supplied by the manufacturer or being commonly known and available, obtained by the user. Additionally, the transparent liquid could be that of a chemical make up that was immune to discoloration or growth and in certain applications could be permanently sealed within the viewing area.

The craft, whether rigid or inflatable, can be of any color, shape, or length that does not compromise the comfort and ease of use presently provided for. A rigid craft, possessing the embodiments of present, could be constructed in means and materials other than rotomolding or blow molding. Examples such as, but not limited to, foam, reaction injection molding, or fiberglass. The head support and deck of the rigid craft presently padded, could be void of padding. The crafts providing an underwater light that is an integral part of the craft or removable for viewing below the water at night. The underwater lighting could be specially designed and fitted to the craft or could be a means of illumination presently being manufactured. Means by which to provide such lighting could be, but not limited to, recessed housing within the craft into which an underwater light containing it's own power source could be attached into the craft for use, then removed or an underwater light that is affix into the crafts hull with a remote power source that remains within the craft. Another means of lighting could be to manufacture the craft with one or more vertical portals through the crafts bow of sufficient diameter to accept a handheld type of dive light. The light(s), held captive within the craft, would extend down through the portal with the lens of the light(s) flush with the hull of the craft breaking the surface of the water coming up into the portal, when the craft is launched.

Wherein the aforegoing reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein.

Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent for those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated. Thus, it will be understood that the invention as described is not intended to be restrictive in any way, and is intended to be illustrative. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skill in the art upon reviewing the above description, and therefore the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1. A personal swim craft having an underwater viewing area comprising: a. a deck portion where upon a person lying prone is held in total body support, comfort, and ergonomic alignment replicating that which is experienced when a person floats prone in the water; b. a head support near the bow of said craft that rises above the horizontal plane of said craft's deck that comfortably supports the head of a user, placing eyes directly over said viewing area and aligns the users neck and spine in a natural, comfortable, and strain free manner; c. a freeboard or side portion of said craft, port and starboard, that slants downwardly and outwardly from said deck that allows the arms to be supported by said sides of said craft in a downwardly position removing stretch and strain from said-users chest and shoulders and allowing full range of motion when paddling; d. a walled cavity within said craft which is sealed with an upper and lower transparent pane at upper and lower openings of said cavity, forming a watertight void between said upper and lower transparent panes and filled with a transparent fluid; and e. a vent for the filling of said void, completely with a transparent liquid eliminating all air bubbles, thus creating said underwater viewing area.

2. A personal swim craft according to claim 1 wherein said craft is rigid.

3. A personal swim craft according to claim 1 wherein said craft is inflatable.

4. An inflatable craft according to claim 3, wherein in step a. said deck is lower than the outer perimeters of said craft, positioning and cradling a user, such as a child, in the center of said craft automatically, preventing the user from falling off said craft.

A head support in combination with a viewing area, according to claim 1 that provides a non-restrictive or confined open-air facial environment that allows peripheral vision for safer operation.

6. A personal swim craft according to claim 1 wherein vertical vents extending through said craft remove air trapped below lower surface of said viewing area.

7. A personal swim craft according to claim 1 wherein a gutter aft of said viewing area receives extraneous water from said upper viewing area.

8. An underwater viewing area according to claim 1 wherein said upper transparent pane is slanted aft for immediate removal of extraneous water.

9. An underwater viewing area according to claim 1 wherein said vent for filling said cavity with a transparent liquid extends through said craft.

An underwater viewing area according to claim 3 wherein said vent for filling said cavity with a transparent liquid is within said upper transparent pane of said craft.

11. An underwater viewing area according to claim 1 wherein said transparent liquid is water.

12. An underwater viewing area according to claim 11 wherein said water is chemically treated to prevent discoloring and algae.

13. An underwater viewing area according to claim 1 wherein said transparent panes are one of acrylic and polycarbonate.

14. An underwater viewing area according to claim 1 wherein said transparent panes are of a rigid transparent material.

An underwater viewing area according to claim 1 wherein said transparent panes are tempered glass.

16. An underwater viewing area according to claim 1 wherein said transparent panes are installed over the upper and lower extremities of said cavity by means of electronic welding.

17. A personal swim craft having an underwater viewing area substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying figures. Dated: this 12th day of August 2003. KENT TROY HARKRIDER By his Attorneys Schuch Company Per: