Underwater ambient pressure viewing tunnel system

Abstract

An aspect of the present invention addresses how to achieve a simple structure, easy and economical to build, that will permit any person, without training or specialized technical equipment, to have direct contact with the underwater environment. In one embodiment, an underwater observation tunnel is provided which operates at ambient pressure, composed of modular sections of a semicircular structure, with transparent molded panels, joined to each other, and with an elevator to transport users from the surface of the water to the operating depth. Air is pumped in a continuous manner through tubes which run along the length of the structure, thus creating an air-filled corridor, where any person can breathe normally, move freely, and observe the underwater environment. The tunnel can be installed and used in any body of water, for purposes of recreational and scientific observation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present continuation-in-part patent application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) of the PCT international patent application designating the U.S. No. PCT/MX 03/00092 on Oct. 30, 2003 titled “Underwater Ambient Pressure Viewing Tunnel”, which intern claims priority benefit of Mexican patent application number YU/a/2002/000002 filed on Oct. 31, 2002 and titled the same.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to structures utilized for the observation of underwater environments. More particularly, the invention relates to underwater structures that safely contain and life-support many people so that they may view underwater environments without any specialized equipment or training.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For quite some time independent diving has been the most popular method for accessing and viewing the underwater world, its practice implies arduous training and the utilization of a considerable quantity of specialized equipment, thus limiting it to a relatively small number of people. Recently new diving equipment with air hoses to the surface and the use of special helmets have permitted a larger number of people to participate in underwater viewing practices; it is nevertheless still necessary, although on a smaller scale, to instruct the user and utilize specialized equipment for the immersion. Underwater tunnels have also been built, equipped with windows with which to view the underwater environment, but they are immovable and operate at atmospheric pressure and therefore incur extremely high construction costs; in addition their users do not have a true interaction with the observed environment.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved underwater structures that safely contain and life-support many people so that they may view underwater environments without requiring any specialized equipment or training.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a semicircular modular structure section of the underwater ambient pressure viewing tunnel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of an elevator structure for the underwater ambient pressure viewing tunnel of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The Figure further shows a circular area A, which is magnified in more detail in FIG. 3;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the top portion of the elevator structure in FIG. 2, further showing the details of area (A), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an underwater ambient pressure viewing tunnel with a rectangular run, showing the modular sections and the elevator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a transverse view of a semicircular modular structure section of the underwater ambient pressure viewing tunnel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 a side perspective view of the framework and guides of the elevator, as well as the joining point of the latter with the underwater ambient pressure viewing tunnel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a variety of techniques to achieve an underwater ambient pressure viewing tunnel system are described.

An aspect of the present invention addresses how to achieve a simple structure, easy and economical to build, that will permit any person, without training or specialized technical equipment, to have direct contact with the underwater environment.

In one embodiment, a solution to the problem is an underwater observation tunnel which operates at ambient pressure, composed of modular sections of a semicircular structure, with transparent molded panels, joined to each other, and with an elevator to transport users from the surface of the water to the operating depth. Utilizing compressors, air is pumped in a continuous manner through tubes which run along the length of the structure, thus displacing the water in its interior, forming a bubble of compressed air at the same pressure as that of the environment surrounding the tunnel, thus creating an air-filled corridor, where any person can breathe normally, move freely, and observe the underwater environment. The tunnel can be installed and used in any body of water, for purposes of recreational and scientific observation.

Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments.

The Underwater Ambient Pressure Viewing Tunnel described herein, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, will permit a great number of people to participate safely in activities of observation of the underwater environment, experiencing a true interaction with the same, without requiring any training whatsoever, or the use of specialized technical equipment.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a semicircular modular structure section of the underwater ambient pressure viewing tunnel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the Figure, the present embodiment is similar to a tunnel installed underwater, within which users can breathe normally, swim, and observe the underwater environment, maintaining a true and direct contact with the same, this being possible due to the fact that a bubble of air at ambient pressure forms within the tunnel.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of an elevator structure for the underwater ambient pressure viewing tunnel of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The Figure further shows a circular area A, which is magnified in more detail in FIG. 3. The Tunnel is comprised of several modular sections of a semicircular structure (1), joined to each other, fixed and/or anchored underwater at a specific depth, and an elevator (7), designed to transport the users from the water's surface to the depth of the operation of the tunnel, and to function as a joining point for the two ends of the Tunnel.

The number of semicircular modular structure sections (1) which will make up the tunnel, the joining points between the latter, their dimensions and forms will vary according to the desired view of the particular underwater environment; the materials to be employed in their construction will vary as well depending on the same variables.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an underwater ambient pressure viewing tunnel (15) with a rectangular run, showing the modular sections (1) and the elevator (7), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The semicircular modular structure sections (1) can be constructed of metal, fiberglass, plastic, or any material capable of providing the necessary strength and durability.

FIG. 5 illustrates a transverse view of a semicircular modular structure section of the underwater ambient pressure viewing tunnel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The modular sections of the tunnel are composed of semicircular arcs (3) joined at the tops and at the sides by support bars (2) (not shown, see FIG. 1), to the windows that are formed in the semicircle are attached transparent panels of materials such as acrylic or polycarbonate molded to the form of the tunnel (5), which also serve to hermetically seal the top part of the tunnel, thus preventing air loss and simultaneously forming the observation windows; the bottom part of the structure is open, it is equipped with a perforated tube on one of its sides (4) and with handrails on both sides (6).

To the semicircular modular structure sections which will connect to the elevator will be added, at the ends which have contact with the same, a top (19) to prevent the loss of air from the tunnel, this will be composed of structural bars and transparent panels of materials such as acrylic or polycarbonate.

The tunnel composed by these modular structures is fixed underwater at a specific depth, the means of fixing and/or anchoring the tunnel underwater depending on the specific conditions of the environment where it will be installed; once in place, utilizing compressors, air is pumped into it continuously through a feeder hose which is connected to the tubes running along the length of the structure (4), said tubes are perforated along their length (21) to permit air to enter the tunnel in a uniform manner.

The air introduced to the tunnel displaces the water in its interior, thus forming a bubble of compressed air at the same pressure as that of the environment which surrounds the tunnel, this forms a corridor with air, where the users can breathe normally, breathe freely, and at the same time observe the underwater environment through the windows of transparent material which form the sides of the tunnel. The flow of air pumped to the tunnel is continuous in order to guarantee that this air will at all times be appropriate for breathing, the excess air will simply escape through the bottom of the tunnel.

The tunnel is also equipped with additional bars which run along the length of the bottom of the structure, at the level of the waterline, which serve as handrails to facilitate the movement of the users within the tunnel.

Access to the interior of the tunnel is by means of an elevator specially designed for this purpose (7), operating with compressed air, which takes the users from the surface of the water to the depth of operation of the tunnel. The elevator consists of a welded metal framework (8) which has on its top a structure identical to the modular tunnel structures, to which are added lids at the ends to prevent air loss; these consist of structural bars (11) and transparent flat panels (12). The elevator also has a floor (9) on which the users can stand, and a metal basket on its bottom (10).

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the top portion of the elevator structure in FIG. 2, further showing the details of area (A), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The vertical movement of the elevator through the water is achieved by changing the volume of the air bubble contained in the upper part of the same. In the metal basket at the bottom are counterweights whose purpose is to offset the flotation created by the air in the upper part of the same, thus achieving a slow and gradual movement.

Utilizing a compressor the elevator receives, by means of a hose (20) and a fill valve (13), a continuous controlled flow of air, this is distributed within the same in the same manner in which air is distributed in the modular sections of the tunnel; the flow is continuous to supply the elevator the necessary flotation to rise and to guarantee the quality of the air which the users breathe.

The volume of the bubble of air which forms in the upper part of the elevator will be responsible for the vertical movement of the same, at a greater volume of the bubble the elevator will rise, at a lower volume it will descend, this volume is controlled by a bleeder tube (14), by means of this tube it is possible to release air from the elevator, modifying the volume of the bubble, thus precisely controlling its movement.

In this manner as the amount of air in the elevator diminishes, it descends, carrying its passengers below the water where it joins the observation tunnel, serving also as a link between the entry and exit points of the tunnel run; as the amount of air in the elevator increases it will rise from the depth at which at which the tunnel is installed to the surface of the water.

FIG. 6 a side perspective view of the framework and guides of the elevator, as well as the joining point of the latter with the underwater ambient pressure viewing tunnel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The elevator is equipped at its four ends with guides (16) fixed in a framework (22) which run from the surface of the water (17) to the bottom of the location where the structure of the tunnel is installed (18) to ensure its exact alignment and linkage with the same.

From all the aforesaid it can be affirmed that the characteristics of the underwater ambient pressure observation tunnel are unique and exclusive to the same, as they have not been achieved by any other similar artifact in existence.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods to achieve an underwater ambient pressure viewing tunnel system according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An Underwater Ambient Pressure Observation Tunnel comprising:

modular sections of a semicircular structure joined to each other, formed by arcs joined at the tops and sides by support bars, these elements conform the framework of the semicircular structure, giving it its form and rigidity, to the hollow spaces formed within the semicircle are attached transparent panels molded to the form of a tunnel, which hermetically seal off the top of the same, thus preventing loss of air and simultaneously forming the observation windows; the bottom part of the structure is open, and has along its sides bars which run along the length of the structure, which serve as handrails to facilitate the movement of the persons inside the tunnel; to the semicircular modular structure sections which form the ends of the tunnel will be added a cover composed of structural bars and flat transparent panels to prevent the loss of air from the tunnel.

2. The Underwater Observation Tunnel of claim 1, further comprising an air distribution system, which is comprised of a feeder hose and perforated distribution tubes which run along the whole of the length of the perimeter of the tunnel.

3. The Underwater Observation Tunnel of claim 1, further comprising an elevator formed by a framework of welded metal, which framework has at joined to its upper section the modular sections of the tunnel claim 1, to which are added caps at the ends to prevent the loss of air, composed of structural bars and flat transparent panels, the elevator also being equipped with a floor on which the passengers can stand, and with a metal basket on its bottom in which to install counterweights, the elevator being further being equipped with a fill valve and a bleeder tube with which the elevator is operated as they are used to control the amount of air within the same, the elevator being further equipped with a framework having guides at its ends that are operable to align and join the elevator with the tunnel.

4. The Underwater Observation Tunnel of claim 1, further comprising a compressor by which the elevator receives a continuous controlled flow of air, which is distributed within the same, the flow is continuous in order to supply the elevator with the flotation necessary to rise and to guarantee the quality of the air breathed by the users.

5. The Underwater Observation Tunnel of claim 3, wherein the volume of the air bubble formed in the upper part of the elevator is be responsible for the vertical movement of the same, at a higher volume of the bubble the elevator will rise, at a lower volume the latter will descend, this volume is controlled by the bleeder tube, by means of this tube the air can be evacuated from the elevator, modifying the volume of the bubble, in this way controlling its movement in a precise manner.

6. A method of operating an underwater ambient pressure observation tunnel, the method comprising steps of:

Fixing a tunnel underwater at a specific depth;

Pumping a continuous flow of air through a feeder hose connected to perforated tubes which run the length of the tunnel, wherein the air introduced into the tunnel displaces the water in its interior, thus creating a bubble of air at the same atmospheric pressure as that of the environment which surrounds the tunnel, thus creating an air-filled corridor, whereby the flow of air pumped to the tunnel is continuous so that the air is at all times appropriate for breathing, and excess air escapes through the bottom of the tunnel.

7. An Underwater Ambient Pressure Observation Tunnel comprising:

means for providing a tunnel for underwater ambient pressure observation by users; and

an air distribution means for pressurizing the tunnel with air.

8. The Underwater Observation Tunnel of claim 7, further comprising:

means for elevating users to and from said tunnel;

means for controlling the amount of air within said elevating means; and

means for aligning and joining said elevating means with the tunnel.

9. The Underwater Observation Tunnel of claim 8, further comprising means controlling the vertical movement of said elevating means.