Abstract: The invention relates to a device for viewing underwater objects without getting wet while experiencing the sensation of walking on water. The device comprises an inflated raft with a clear bottom designed to allow a person to sit or lie face down and view underwater objects while experiencing the movement of the water without getting wet. This clear bottom has no air pockets and is flexible, thus the person receives the sensation of walking on water instead of air.

Abstract: A form-fitting comfortable mask, or sun screen, can be disposed, in tension, over a viewing compartment of a flotation device. The floatation device can provide the viewer with a safe, light and water resistant compartment that will greatly enhance their viewing of underwater details while minimizing or eliminating impact to their face from rough water conditions. The flotation device is designed to incorporate a tension surface with molded, water and light resistant air vents that support and secure a Neoprene and/or fabric sun screen mask with molded fasteners in a way that positions the sun screen/mask above the clear glass and/or plastic window. A hidden snorkel system between the viewing window and tension surface provides a fresh supply of clean air while restricting light and water from entering the viewing compartment.

Abstract: A form-fitting comfortable mask, or sun screen, can be disposed, in tension, over a viewing compartment of a flotation device. The floatation device can provide the viewer with a safe, light and water resistant compartment that will greatly enhance their viewing of underwater details while minimizing or eliminating impact to their face from rough water conditions. The flotation device is designed to incorporate a tension surface with molded, water and light resistant air vents that support and secure a Neoprene and/or fabric sun screen mask with molded fasteners in a way that positions the sun screen/mask above the clear glass and/or plastic window. A hidden snorkel system between the viewing window and tension surface provides a fresh supply of clean air while restricting light and water from entering the viewing compartment.

Abstract: When installed in paddleboards and surfboards the viewport viewing apparatus allows riders whether in a standing or lying position to see thru the sports board and view the sea floor in clear shallow waters. This window to the underwater world enhances any paddleboard experience adding a new dimension to surfing including the ability to view and explore the coral reef. viewport viewing apparatus can be used in paddleboards, surfboard, belly board, windsurfing board, resort equipment fun-board, and similar personal floatation device. viewport viewing apparatus is ideal for spear fishermen as a see thru dive platform. In addition to pleasure and sport, the apparatus may also be applied to rescue board to aid as a life saving tool example as used by lifeguards, and in search and rescue recovery operations conducted by local lifeguards, by coastguards and marine patrols.

Abstract: An underwater viewing unit includes a tube insertable into a through-hole of an air mattress, a rest for the viewer's head provided at the lower end of the tube, and a transparent panedisposed within the tube. The head rest is formed by an inflatable beaded body connected to the upper rim of the tube and extending over less than 360° to leave free a peripheral region outside the tube for free breathing.

Abstract: An underwater viewing unit includes a tube insertable into a through-hole of an air mattress, a rest for the viewer's head provided at the lower end of the tube, and a transparent panedisposed within the tube. The head rest is formed by an inflatable beaded body connected to the upper rim of the tube and extending over less than 360° to leave free a peripheral region outside the tube for free breathing.

Abstract: A floatable water board for supporting at least an upper body portion of a user person lying on the board when in a body of water is described. The board is formed of a flotation body constructed of buoyant material. The flotation body defines a bow end portion, a stern end portion, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A viewing cavity is provided in the flotation body and disposed at a predetermined location in a forward region of the flotation body. A transparent pane is sealingly retained at a bottom end of the viewing cavity and extends substantially in a plane of the bottom surface. An inflatable circumferential flotation collar assembly is secured about the cavity by a flexible and extendible section sealingly engaged about the viewing cavity and deployable above the top surface of the flotation body. The bottom surface of the flotation body is also provided with rails and channels to direct a water flow over the pane to evacuate any air bubbles which can impair visibility.

Abstract: A transparent and shark-repelling surfboard or flotation board made of transparent super microcellular polymer foam with transparent coating. The surfboard or the flotation board has a locater device for locating large aquatic animals, and an alarm device for alerting a rider of large aquatic animals, such as sharks, located by the locater device. The surfboard or the flotation board also comprises a repellent or deterrent signal generator that is configured for transmitting interference signals to disrupt the electro-sensory perception system of the aquatic animals.

Abstract: A collapsible, height-adjustable support device with inflatable floats for mounting articles, particularly cinematographic apparatus, upon and below the water. It is characterized by a central tubular frame (1) with a plurality of detachable support arms (2) perpendicular to the central frame. The support arms also attach to the elongate inflatable buoys (10). Cinematographic apparatus is mounted upon a fixing plate (5) positioned centrally on the central frame member (1). The adjustable height of the mount above and below the surface of the water is facilitated by the angular relationship of the central longitudinally splined frame member (1) and each support arms splined hub. Footpads (4) with releasable locking pins and receiving plates (22) provide attachment of support arms to the floats (10). Anchorage and tether points (14) permit towing and static deployment.

Abstract: Viewing enhancing apparatus for visibility impaired fluid, such as turbid water or a smoke-filled room, includes a fluid-permeable sidewall and a housing defining a confluence cavity having an axis extending between first and second housing ends. The housing ends are connected by the sidewall. The second housing end is open. The sidewall has a proximal end towards the first housing end and a distal end towards the second housing end. The housing defines a supply cavity surrounding the sidewall and coupleable to a source of viewing fluid, typically clear water when operating in a turbid water environment. The sidewall provides a resistance to flow of the viewing fluid therethrough, the resistance varying according to the position on the sidewall. The viewing fluid passes through the confluence cavity and exits the second housing end. This creates a chosen velocity profile for the viewing fluid exiting the second housing end.

Abstract: Fish-breeding apparatus (10), which comprises a frame, supporting one or a plurality of breeding cages (11) and provided with hollow buoyancy elements (17), and at least one device for controlling the buoyancy of the apparatus by filling, totally or partially, the buoyancy elements with water and emptying them of the water, totally or partially, whenever desired. The buoyancy elements are emptied of water by replacing the water with air. The buoyancy elements are such that when they are empty of water to a predetermined extent, the entire apparatus floats, even when it is fully charged. The frame has depending legs (17), so that even in its lowermost position the bottoms of the breeding cage will be spaced from the sea bed.

Abstract: A personal swim craft that has a liquid filled viewing area that is simply and inexpensively created within the craft requiring no tooling for molds or related costs. A walled cavity through the craft is sealed at its upper and lower openings with transparent panes. These panes are sealed in place without drilling or tapping holes or otherwise altering the surface area of the panes. The void between the transparent panes is filled with a transparent liquid via a vent that can be within the upper transparent pane or integrated into the craft adjacent to the upper pane and extending through the craft into the cavity void. The upper pane of the viewing area is slanted aft to allow extraneous water to run off into scuppers or vertical vents adjacent to the aft perimeter edge of the upper pane. These vertical vents and a forward set of vertical vents also remove air bubbles that may become trapped below the outer surface of the lower transparent pane.

Abstract: A personal swim craft that has a liquid filled viewing area that is simply and inexpensively created within the craft requiring no tooling for molds or related costs. A walled cavity through the craft is sealed at its upper and lower openings with transparent panes. These panes are sealed in place without drilling or tapping holes or otherwise altering the surface area of the panes. The void between the transparent panes is filled with a transparent liquid via a vent that can be within the upper transparent pane or integrated into the craft adjacent to the upper pane and extending through the craft into the cavity void. The upper pane of the viewing area is slanted aft to allow extraneous water to run off into scuppers or vertical vents adjacent to the aft perimeter edge of the upper pane. These vertical vents and a forward set of vertical vents also remove air bubbles that may become trapped below the outer surface of the lower transparent pane.

Abstract: A floatation device for a child having a buoyant board, with generally parallel top and bottom surfaces, and with a child opening in about the middle of the board. A child seat is provided beneath the opening attached to the board for supporting a child in the opening with his abdomen about even with the board. A wet play area is recessed in the top surface of the board in front of the opening in reach of the child, the play area having a bottom surface below the waterline of the board when a child is on the board. An opening in the board connects the play area to the bottom surface to allow water to enter the play area when the board is in the water. A canopy is mounted on the board. The canopy has an awning support mounted on the board behind the child opening. An awning is rotatably mounted on the awning support for movement between an operative position where the awning is generally horizontal over the child opening and an inoperative position allowing access to the child opening.

Abstract: A floating window for viewing underwater life, which has an unfolded viewing configuration and a folded storage configuration for transport and/or storage. Floating end walls are attached to a central viewing window and have sufficient buoyancy to prevent the device from sinking beneath the surface. The central window is secured on either end to a floating end wall. The central window is flexible and curve upward on the edges extending between the floating end walls such that a cavity is formed with a central viewing area. The central window is attached to the floating end walls such that the central viewing area is held below the surface of the water and the edges of the central window extend above the surface of the water to prevent water from spilling onto the top surface of the central viewing area. The central window is secured to slots on the inside surface of each floating end wall by a pressure fit.

Abstract: An underwater observation device in combination with a buoyant craft provides an observer with a clear and unobstructed view of underwater scenes. The underwater observation device comprises an upper transparent window, a lower transparent window, and a body portion disposed between the upper transparent window and the lower transparent window. The body portion has a centrally disposed cavity that is filled with a transparent fluid material and a vent for permitting the ingress and egress of the transparent fluid. A person lying in a prone position on a buoyant craft can comfortably peer down into the water and enjoy the underwater scenery. The underwater observation device of the present invention has an innovative design that eliminates visual obstructions such as air bubbles, debris, and condensation.

Abstract: A device to observe the sea bed from the deck of a vessel is formed by a cubicle that has attachment points to attach it to the structure of the stern of the vessel. This cubicle has a vertical wall that forms a sealed block on the bottom wall of which are the lighting points to illuminate the sea bed. The base of the rest of the cubicle has a resistant transparent glass in contact with the water, since the lights and this glass are on the same plane and below the water line of the vessel. The device has an inclined mirror in the upper part and forms a prolongation of the inclined surface of the block, in which mirror is reflected the sea bed which is seen through the glass and at the same time may be observed from any part of the deck of the vessel.

Abstract: A personal water vehicle (12) comprising a structure (14) for supporting a person (16) in a prone position above an upper surface of a body of water (18). A facility (20) is for steering the supporting structure (14) in the body of water (18), using manual operation by the hands (22) of the person (16). An assemblage (24) is for propelling the supporting structure (14) in the body of water (18), using peddle movement by the feet (26) of the person (16). A device (28) for viewing, extends through the supporting structure (14), so that the person (16) can look into the body of water (18).

Abstract: An underwater viewing device for use during ice fishing for permitting a user to see underwater through a hole in the ice. The device includes a viewing tube having open top and bottom ends. An annular resting flange is disposed around the viewing tube. An elastomeric O-ring is disposed around the viewing tube. The O-ring has a diameter sized such that the O-ring is held in tension on the viewing tube. The O-ring is positioned on the viewing tube between the top end of the viewing tube and the resting flange with the O-ring resting on the viewing tube such that the viewing flange is held in a relative position with respect to the resting flange.

Abstract: A floating device, used as a floating chair, for supporting a user over a body of water and having three sections: first, second and third sections, where the second section includes two bays to cooperatively receive a user's legs when she or he sits down on it. The first section of the floating device includes handle members to hold and maneuver the floating member in the water, and a through opening with a transparent member rigidly mounted therein to permit the user to look through it.

Abstract: A viewer and system for observing under water objects where conditions are turbid, characterized by a chamber open at one end adapted to interface with a field of view and closed by a window at the other viewing end where clear water is pumped into the chamber and displaces turbid waters therefrom, for high resolution viewing, ocularly or by objective camera lenses and with remote video monitoring, and providing a work chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a floating underwater viewing device having a column with a first and a second end, and a first viewing window and a second viewing window. The first viewing window is integrally formed with the first end of the column, and the second viewing window is integrally formed with the second end of the column to form a watertight viewing chamber. A first toroidal float and a second toroidal float are disposed about the column. At least one of the first and second toroidal floats is slidably attached to the column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for viewing beneath the surface of water, to be used by a person or persons located either in or out of the water. A transparent convex or concave element is located in a bouyant cavity such that when the cavity is filled with water, the water in combination with the convex or concave element creates a lensing action.

Abstract: An air-to-water surface operating underwater viewing craft which succeeds in providing man with both speed and the same extravagant vision for underwater viewing that he/she possesses above the water with respect to field of view and clarity. This is achieved through proper implementation of a number of factors which are all locked in a perpetual relationship one to the other. The desired results are obtained by employment of a viewing window which is laterally curved around the sides of a prone viewers' face and which extends foreward and backwards sufficiently to exceed mans' field of vision threshold in all directions. The viewers' head is supported by a headrest which provides a viewing reference point for the viewers' eyes. Around this arrangement is built a flotational device which features two stabilizing pontoons positioned on starboard and port sides providing correct craft posture and predetermined draw. A two axis joystick controls two retracting electric thrusters providing full maneuverability.

Abstract: 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 and has a periphery spaced apart from side wall of the viewing opening to define a draining space between the side wall and the viewing unit. This provides a peripheral clearance extending generally around the unit for draining water through the hull irrespective of angle of the watercraft with respect to the horizontal. A cowl extends peripherally around the viewing opening and has a lower portion sealing the viewing opening to prevent passage of water, and an upper portion to embrace portions of a person's face to exclude extraneous light.

Abstract: A buoyant board for viewing underwater objects while an observer is lying in a prone position is of seamless, unitary construction, and has a viewing well extending through the body of the board that is integrally formed with the body. The body may be formed of rotomolded plastic. The board may have a vent to relieve excessive air pressure within the board, but is otherwise sealed so as to be substantially watertight. The board may also have a drain plug or valve that allows water that accumulates in the interior of the board as a result of condensation or leakage to be expelled. The upper end of the viewing well has a contoured shape that conforms generally to the contours of the human face. A transparent window is mounted at the lower end of the viewing well and may be recessed from the bottom of the board or mounted flush with the bottom of the board by providing a countersunk edge around the periphery of the lower end of the well.

Abstract: A small water powered surface watercraft that is very compact in nature inasmuch as it has only a partial deck for accommodating the upper torso of a rider and passenger in side by side fashion. The watercraft is powered by an electric motor and battery contained within a hatch at the forward portion of the watercraft. An embodiment that employs two powering electric motors and separate controls is also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel aquatic viewing apparatus is provided for placement on the face of a user which comprises a transparent member positioned in an annular structure of closed cell plastic foam having an inside cylindrical wall and an outside cylindrical wall connected by transverse end walls at either end thereof and the apparatus is capable of supporting the head of a user while in water.

Abstract: A multiple purpose bucket (10 or 110) can be used as a floatation device, an underwater viewing device, or a bailer. The bucket (10 or 110) includes a body (12 or 112), an open top (14 or 114), a clear plastic bottom (16 or 116), and a base (20 or 120). The base (20 or 120) extends beyond the clear plastic bottom (16 or 116). The base (20 or 120) has a floatation means (21) molded therewithin which gives the bucket (10 or 110) buoyancy. Passages (36, 38, and 122) allow water to quickly fill the cavity created by the base (20 or 120) when the bucket (10 or 110) is being used as an underwater viewing device. Hand grips (28 and 128) are grasped by the user when using the bucket (10 or 110) as a bailer.

Abstract: The appliance for assisting a swimmer in swimming, floating and being towed by a boat, includes a substantially board-shaped floating body having a leading edge and a trailing edge each of which have a V-shaped cross section. The floating body has a glass panel with a transverse reinforcing web mounted centrally therein so that the swimmer can observe through the floating body. The floating body has two longitudinal sides each having a handle in the shape of an arcuate protrusion projecting therefrom. Each of the handles is located in the middle of its longitudinal side, and the longitudinal sides are divided by a central transverse axis, each of the handles having a through-going handle opening positioned between the transverse axis and the leading edge. Fastening means, such as screws, are provided on each handle and a tow rope is attached to each of the fastening means by one of its two ends.

Abstract: A swimming aid comprises a floating body and a bottom viewer and may be used at a swimming pool or in the sea. The floating body is U-shaped in cross section and has a hood at the top thereof. The floating portion buoyantly supports the upper half of the swimmer's body in the water. The bottom viewer is made of a transparent material such as vinyl chloride resin and takes the form of a dome. The bottom viewer is installed on the top of the hood and provides a wide forward or underwater view of the swimmer. The swimmer when laying with his body on the bottom of the floating body can swim without great resistance while looking forward or downwardly underwater through the bottom viewer.

Abstract: An apparatus for underwater surveillance that consists of a floating platform having bow and stern with an aerodynamically true forward cowl formed on the bow end, the forward approximately one-third of the platform. Immediately aft of the cowl there is disposed a viewing assembly placed in a clearance formed centrally through the platform, and the viewing assembly is a tightly sealed transparent member having top panel, bottom panel and side panel and defining a volume that is maintained liquid free thereby to enable maximum viewing efficiency at all times.

Abstract: A swimmer's face mask (1) comprising a visor (3, 4 and 5), a holder (6) for the visor (3, 4 and 5) and a strap (7) for attaching the holder (6) to the face of a swimmer. The visor (3, 4 and 5) is of transparent plastic material and has two laterally extending panels (3, 4 and 5) sealed at their edges to form a hollow water-tight compartment (13). This compartment (13) provides sufficient buoyancy to float the entire face mask (1) when it is detached from the head of a swimmer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater viewing device wherein a viewer can immerse the lower portion thereof into a body of water and view clear, undistorted images of objects which appear immediately below the underwater viewing device. The underwater viewing device is provided with a viewing tube having a plurality of opaque sides that project upwardly from a horizontal planar surface made of clear plexiglass. The opaque sides rise upwardly at a forty-five degree angle relative to the horizontal planar surface. This viewing tube is open at the uppermost end and permits viewers to look therein without the requirement of placing their head into contact with the viewing tube. Additionally, the viewing tube is not required to be covered as in prior art devices. The basic concept of the underwater viewing device is embodied in a hand held unit while there are also disclosed other applications such as air mattresses, inflatable boats and catamaran-type paddle-wheel boats.

Abstract: A posture supporting device for supporting a person lying on said device in water or on land in a manner to minimize postural strain comprises an inflatable mattress having attached thereto an inflatable lumbar elevation cushion. The cushion elevates a person's lumbo-sacral region sufficiently to minimize hyper-extension in the lumbar region while lying prone on the mattress. To further facilitate prone positioning of the person in a comfortable correct posture, the head region of the mattress has an elongate recess to receive and support a person's head when lying on the mattress. The recess is defined by opposing spaced-apart inflated mattress sections extending generally parallel to one another in the length direction of the mattress. The spacing between the mattress sections is such to support a person's head by contacting the cheekbones while accommodating the mouth and nose area to permit free breathing while lying in the prone position.

Abstract: A skim board for use in the shallow water at the edge is illustrated as having a body constructed of a clear, transparent plastic sheet having a concave surface at the top for the feet of the user and a convex surface at the bottom. A pattern in bright color extends across the clear plastic sheet making same visible in the shallow water while a clear plastic area remains through which the user may see the water line and thus know where to place his feet when jumping on the skim board.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a viewing device for flotation bodies is provided which comprises a body having an interior defined by its side walls and at least one transparent end wall. In one embodiment using two transparent end walls, the transparent end walls define spaced-apart viewing ports, one port being normally above the surface of the water and the opposite port being below the surface of the water. The interior of the body is adapted to be substantially condensation free by evacuating the interior of the body and sealing the body in the evacuated condition or, more preferably, filling the body with a fluid to the exclusion of air so that condensation and air bubbles are thereby avoided. In a preferred embodiment the viewing device consists of a single piece body having a single transparent end wall.

Abstract: An underwater viewing platform is described which has a stern mounted electric drive motor whose direction and speed may by varied by forward mounted controls located adjacent the prone-lying operator's hands near a large forward mounted viewing window. A shade cowl arches up over the viewing window and has a U-shaped stern-facing, padded opening for receiving the operator's head. With the operator's head in place, the large viewing window is substantially shaded from overhead sunlight and has a large viewing angle and field of view. The window has a lens for providing the desired degree of magnification or demagnification. Bottom illumination is provided by an underwater light for night time use. Navigation and battery status and drain instruments are conveniently mounted within or on the shade cowl. Various design features reduce operator fatigue and extend useful range and endurance. End useful range and endurance.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a sight glass in the lower gearcase of a marine engine wherein the gearcase has a circular opening in its side. The circular opening has three concentric segments, the outermost segment has the largest diameter and is internally threaded. The center segment is sized to accomodate a disc-shaped transparent sight glass. The innermost segment has a diameter less than the center segment and the surface between the center and innermost segments contains an annular groove. An O-ring or resilient waterproof material fits into the annular groove and the disc-shaped sight glass is fitted into the center segment of the opening in the grearcase with its outer edge pressed against the O-ring. A ring-shaped window cover is then threadedly fitted into the outermost segment of the opening in the gearcase and firmly pressed against the sight glass and locked in place by a lock nut screwed into a threaded hole in the adjoining edges of the window cover and the gearcase.

Abstract: A sight glass assembly for observing the lubricant in the lower gearcase of a marine engine. The assembly is designed to be bonded into a circular hole in the lower gearcase housing and includes a window retaining ring which is bonded to the gearcase housing and a lock ring located inside the gearcase, an annular O-ring of resilient water proof material fitted into an annular groove in the retaining ring, a cylindrical disc-shaped transparent sight glass one of whose two outer edges is pressed against the O-ring, and a window cover having a central void and an annular face which is pressed against the second outer edge of the sight glass. The window cover is threadedly joined to the window retaining ring and is preferably locked into place by a lock screw threaded into a hole in the adjoining edges of the window retaining ring and the window cover.

Abstract: A posturepedic buoyancy device for supporting a person lying on said device in water or on land in a manner to minimize postural strain comprises an inflatable mattress having attached thereto an inflatable lumbar elevation cushion on the top surface of the mattress. The cushion elevates a person's lumbo-sacral region sufficiently to minimize hyper-extension in the lumbar region while lying prone on the mattress. To further facilitate prone positioning of the person in a comfortable correct posture, the head region of the mattress has an elongate recess to receive and support a person's head when lying on top of the mattress. The recess is defined by opposing spaced-apart inflated mattress sections extending generally parallel to one another in the length direction of the mattress. The spacing between the mattress sections is such to support a person's head by contacting the cheekbones while accommodating the mouth and nose area to permit free breathing while lying in the prone position.

Abstract: An underwater viewing device that may be held in the water from a moving boat for viewing below the surface of the water. The device includes a transparent bottom with side walls secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom, the side walls forming a water barrier totally around the bottom. One end of the bottom and corresponding side walls define a bow shape. An outwardly turned flange is located at the top of the side walls to permit one to conveniently hold the device in the water while the boat is moving, or to which a boat mounted support may be secured.

Abstract: An aquatic sport device includes a buoyant board configured for supporting a user in a prone position thereon and sized to enable the user supported thereby to manually paddle while in a prone position in order to move the buoyant board through the water. A sight opening is provided through the buoyant board in an optical system disposed therein enables a visual perception through the buoyant board by the user when the user is in a prone position. The optical system is 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.

Abstract: An aquatic camera apparatus consisting of a transparent screen separating an upper dark dry chamber from a lower vacuum wet chamber. The upper dark chamber is provided with a folding camera obscura and a looking mask for the viewer. A drainage valve is provided over the transparent screen for cleaning it and a vacuum valve is provided on top of the wet chamber expelling the air from inside. The device can be used manually or mechanically, outboard or inboard from any watercraft for the purpose of searching the flora and fauna inside any body of clear water. The device can be also used as a direct fishing aid, or for taking underwater photographs.

Abstract: A visual aid apparatus (10) is disclosed. The apparatus (10) permits clear vision through the surface of the water. Apparatus (10) includes a relatively thin transparent sheet (11) which is preferably circular. A buoyant, closed-wall member (12) is secured in a leakproof manner to sheet (11) to define a relatively shallow, pan-like container for floating on the surface of the water. Apparatus (10) also includes a relatively short length of tube pivotally mounted to the outer periphery of the container for holding a vacuum or suction pipe of the kind used to clean a swimming pool.

Abstract: An underwater viewing device in the form of a generally rectangular, open topped, one-piece, transparent container having a flexible pad at the open top for the face of the user, ventilation openings formed through the upper front and rear walls of the device, and a pair of handles in the form of squeezable bulbs attached to tubing lengths extended into the forward, bottom area of the container. Periodic squeezing of the handles causes air to be drawn through the front vent, circulated to the rear of the container, and exhausted through the rear vent.