RAFT FOR VIEWING UNDERWATER OBJECTS

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.

Claims

1. An inflatable recreational device formed as a two-piece raft made from a polymer allowing a person to sit or lie in a prone position comprising: a) an inflatable perimeter intended for proper buoyancy; and b) a clear bottom floor that forms a viewing window into the water wherein a person can identify underwater objects and terrain without getting wet. This viewing window is also the floor and support structure for the user. This floor has no air pockets and is flexible, thus the person receives the sensation of walking on water instead of air.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said viewing window is also the floor and support structure for the user.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said viewing window is not hollow and cannot be inflated.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is constructed of polymer sheet.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said clear bottom viewing window contours to the user and reacts to their movements.

6. An inflatable observation device formed as a two-piece raft made from a polymer for allowing a person to sit or lie in a prone position comprising: a) an inflatable perimeter intended for proper buoyancy; and b) a clear bottom floor that forms a viewing window into the water wherein a person can identify underwater objects and terrain without getting wet. This viewing window is also the support structure for the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0013] In the drawings wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the raft;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective section view of the raft; and

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of the raft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0017] FIG. 1 is a top view of raft 1 having a substantially round shape.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a perspective section view of raft 1 with opaque top section 2 and clear bottom viewing window 3. In a preferred embodiment, raft 1 is a two-piece polymer raft. The top section 2 is an opaque inflatable polymer perimeter intended for proper buoyancy. The clear bottom viewing window 3 is a clear polymer that serves as the floor and support structure for the user. In this case, when a person lies face down on the clear bottom viewing window 3, they have an unobstructed view of underwater objects and terrain while experiencing the feeling of walking on water.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows a side view of raft 1. In this view, the clear bottom viewing window 3 extends down past the water line to enable the person to have an unobstructed view of underwater objects and terrain while experiencing the feeling of walking on water.

[0020] These design features are important because it allows a person to sit or lie face down on the clear viewing window for an unobstructed view of underwater objects and terrain. In addition, the person receives the sensation of walking on water since the entire raft bottom is the clear viewing window and support structure. This design feature is important because it maximizes the underwater viewing window size and provides the unique user experience of walking on water instead of air.

[0021] Furthermore, this raft or flotation device could be used in a pool, lake, or ocean. Any person who desires to view underwater objects and terrain without getting wet could use this raft or flotation device to support them in a sitting or prone position.

[0022] Accordingly, while two embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.