Aquatic viewing port apparatus

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.

Description

[0001] The viewport is an aquatic viewing apparatus consisting of lightweight molded plastic viewport housing. Two clear Plexiglas or tempered glass window inserts are affixed to top and bottom of recessed window channel in viewport housing. This viewport housing is a "box" type window frame, approximately 13''.times.20''.times.5'' depth (size will vary according to board specification and size). When installed through or integrated into an aquatic personal flotation device such as a paddleboard, surfboard, wind surf board, belly board etc, will allow the rider to see thru the board, and view the underwater world in clear shallow water; similar to looking through a glass bottom boat or a scuba divers' face mask

[0002] The apparatus will be available in two models, Model A-Flush Mount and Model B-Flange/Surface Mount. viewport clear Plexiglas/tempered glass windows will also be available for replacement purposes

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0004] Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

[0005] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] As a young Floridian I loved to surf and snorkel on the local in-shore reefs. Multiple summer trips throughout the Bahamas with my father on his boat helped me to become an experienced free diver and surfer. At age 15, I had my first boat, a 14' "Juno" skiff with a glass port- hole mounted in the bottom hull. It allowed you to see under the surface of the water to the sea floor from boat. It was great for spotting fish, conch and lobster

[0007] On a recent family trip to Montego Bay Jamaica, we took a cruise on a glass bottom boat. We stopped and drifted over beautiful colorful coral reefs. The view was spectacular! I have been thinking about creating a glass-bottom paddleboard for some time. My long time idea of the paddle/surf board was re-kindled and has now burst into flames! For me a view to the underwater world through my sport board is a new red-hot innovation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The -An Aquatic Viewing Port Apparatus, an underwater viewing apparatus, is comprised of a lightweight molded plastic "box" viewport housing that accepts clear Plexiglas windows affixed to the view port housing's recessed window channels on deck and bottom of the sport board. The aquatic viewing port apparatus may be installed in personal flotation devices, including but not limited to paddleboards and surfboards. The clear Plexiglas/tempered glass deck and bottom window inserts allows the rider whether in a standing or lying position to see thru and view the sea floor in clear shallow waters such as clear rivers, coastal waters, Florida Keys, Bahamas, thru out the Caribbean etc.

[0009] This window to the underwater world enhances the paddleboard experience including underwater exploration of the coral reef and adds a whole new dimension to surfing

[0010] The viewport aquatic viewing port apparatus can also can be installed in personal flotation devices including but not limited to paddleboards and surfboards, bellyboard, windsurfing board, resort equipment fun-board, rescue board and similar types personal floatation devices

[0011] is ideal for the spear fisherman as a see thru dive platform. In addition to pleasure and sport, may also be applied to Rescue Boards to aid as a life saving tool as used by lifeguards, coastguards, marine patrols and in search and rescue recovery operations

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

Brief Descriptions of Drawings-Model A/Flush Mount Viewport

[0012] *All illustrations, without regard for scale or measurements.

[0013] The apparatus may be used like this:

[0014] Drawing Page #1

[0015] FIG. 1 Top view of the sport board with Viewport Housing installed

[0016] FIG. 2 Exploded view of Model A components applied to sport board

[0017] FIG. 2(a) Clear Plexiglas window to be installed flush with deck

[0018] FIG. 2(b) viewport housing with recessed window channel on top and bottom to be installed through sport board during board fabrication process

[0019] FIG. 2(c) Sport board

[0020] FIG. 2(d) Clear Plexiglas window to be installed flush with bottom surface of board in the recessed window channel

[0021] FIG. 3 Sea-Thru Model A Flush Mount

[0022] FIG. 3(a) Viewport housing "box" with a recessed window channel on top and bottom. Outside walls are grooved in increments measuring and retention fiberglass resin

[0023] FIG. 3(a-1) Tapered version of Model A

[0024] FIG. 4 Cross section of sport board with apparatus applied

[0025] FIG. 4(a) Clear Plexiglas window to be installed into recessed window channel of viewport housing

[0026] FIG. 4(b) Gasket, permanent or non-permanent watertight seal

[0027] FIG. 4(c) Viewport Housing walls

[0028] FIG. 4(d) Styrofoam board core

[0029] FIG. 4(e) Fiberglass skin covering of sport board

[0030] FIG. 5 Cross section of sport board with Viewport installed

[0031] FIG. 5(a) viewport housing

[0032] FIG. 5(b) Clear Plexiglas window

[0033] Model A Viewport Housing is flush mounted and integrated during board fabrication. viewport housings, 1'' thick walls, are parallel therefore vertical dimensions may be modified by channeling or sectioning to appropriate depth and dimensions required to best fit board design. Model A can be mounted between two wooden stringers for support and reinforcement on lightweight foam surfboards and glassed in normal manner up to viewport inner perimeter of recessed window channel, similar to surfboard fin box installation.

[0034] Clear Plexiglas inserts are affixed in recessed frame channels. Therefore, Plexiglas is flush with bottom and top surfaces of sport board. 3/16 Plexiglas may be used for slight curve to belly of the sport board. Flush mount model A may be used in consecutive series on one sport board

Brief Description of Drawings Model B/Flange Mount

[0035] **These illustrations without regard for scale

[0036] Drawing Page 2 Model B Flange Mount

[0037] FIG. 1 Top view of the sport board with Viewport Housing installed

[0038] FIG. 2 Exploded view of Model B components applied to sport board

[0039] FIG. 2(a) Clear Plexiglas window and gasket

[0040] FIG. 2(b) view port top frame with recessed window channel

[0041] FIG. 2(c) Sport board

[0042] FIG. 2 (d) Bottom section of viewport housing "box" with recessed window channel to be retrofitted thru board to connect to top frame

[0043] FIG. 2(e) Clear Plexiglas bottom window and gasket

[0044] FIG. 3 Model B -Flange Mount view port housing

[0045] FIG. 3(a) Bottom section of view port housing "box" with recessed window channel

[0046] FIG. 3(b) Top frame section of view port with recessed window channel

[0047] FIG. 4 Cross Section of Model B

[0048] FIG. 4(a) Clear Plexiglas window to be installed with watertight gasket (see FIG. 4b), sealed and secured with screws to top frame

[0049] FIG. 4(b) Viewport top frame section to be secured with screws to bottom viewport housing (see FIG. 4d)

[0050] FIG. 4(c) Sport board

[0051] FIG. 4 (d) viewport bottom section retrofitted up thru existing sport board, aligned with top and fastened together with stainless screws

[0052] FIG. 4(e) Styrofoam board core

[0053] FIG. 4(f) Fiberglass skin covering of sport board

[0054] FIG. 4-(g) Clear Plexiglas window

[0055] Model B flange mount consists of a two-part housing: (1) A bottom viewport housing with a recessed window channel and (2) a viewport top frame with a recessed window channel that will accept clear Plexiglas windows on deck and bottom. Sport board is sandwiched between two parts of the viewport housing and held together by stainless steel fasteners. Outer perimeter of model B apparatus wall has deck and bottom flange. Housing walls may be shortened/cut and top viewport window frame with recessed window channel reinstalled with stainless steel fasteners. Flange allows apparatus to be installed into existing boards. Model B also has replaceable predrilled clear Plexiglas/tempered glass window and custom fit silicone watertight gaskets and reinstalled by stainless steel fasteners. Model B Viewport Housing is flange mounted and integrated into existing sport board. viewport housings, 1'' thick walls, are parallel therefore vertical dimensions may be modified by channeling or sectioning to appropriate depth and dimensions required to best fit board design. Top frame is then reinstalled with stainless steel fasteners without disturbing top frame recessed window channel and deck surface flange. Flange allows apparatus to rest on surface of deck and bottom surface when installed into existing boards. Recommended for paddleboards

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] The apparatus is an aquatic viewing port consisting of lightweight molded plastic viewport housing "box" and two clear Plexiglas or tempered glass window inserts affixed on top and bottom of the viewport housing into recessed window channels. The viewport housing is a "box" window frame, approximately 13''.times.20''.times.5'' depth (size will vary according to board specification and size).

[0057] When the viewport is installed through or integrated into an aquatic or flotation device such as a paddleboard, surfboard, wind surf board, belly board etc, will allow the rider to see thru the board, similar to a glass bottom boat.

[0058] The apparatus is designed to fit into paddleboards and surfboards, and like type boards such as belly boards, consisting of (a) fiberglass skin and Styrofoam core. A viewport apparatus is integrated or fitted into and through the board's design. The viewport "box" accepts transparent windows approximately 13''.times.20'' (size may vary according to board design) sealed with watertight silicone gaskets

[0059] The viewport housing apparatus, a "box" with walls approximately 1'' thick and approximate dimensions 13''.times.20''.times.4''-5'' deep (size may vary according to board design), will be factory molded in lightweight plastic. A 3/16'' deep recess window channel will be molded inside frame of viewport to accept transparent tempered glass/Plexiglas window. Deck and bottom windows will be affixed with semi permanent silicone rubber or pre-fitted rubber gasket using screws for retention of the window while allowing for easy replacement.

[0060] will be available in two (2) models, Model A-Flush Mount and Model B-Flange/Surface Mount. The Model A apparatus is factory installed at time of new board fabrication, while the Model B apparatus may be installed into existing paddle boards etc based on standard board designs.

[0061] Model A flush mount -An Aquatic Viewing Port Apparatus, an underwater viewing apparatus, is comprised of a lightweight molded plastic "box" viewport housing that accepts clear Plexiglas windows affixed to the view port housing's recessed window channels on deck and bottom of the sport board. Viewport apparatus is easily installed at time of manufacturing, by cutting a 13''.times.20'' square hole through the foam board between two wooden stringers and the viewport apparatus is fitted through the board affixed using epoxy resin. Board is then factory fiberglass in normal manner with embedded through board. Fiberglass is finished over and up to inner window recessed channel in the viewport housing. Within the board's finishing process, the clear Plexiglas windows are affixed to the viewport housing using semi-permanent silicone adhesive/sealant or gasket and stainless steel screws. Finished flush with deck and bottom surfaces of sports board.

[0062] Model B flange mount viewport allows apparatus to be surface fitted in existing sport boards, example paddleboards. This model consists of a two-part housing: (1) A bottom viewport housing with a recessed window channel and surface mount flange (2) A viewport top frame with a recessed window channel and surface mount flange that will accept clear Plexiglas windows on deck and bottom. Sport board is sandwiched between two parts of the viewport housing apparatus and connected together by stainless steel fasteners. Outer perimeter of Model B apparatus viewport housing and viewport top frame has deck and bottom flanges as in FIG. 4 C and D page. viewport housings vertical dimensions may be modified by channeling or sectioning to appropriate depth and dimensions required to best-fit board design. Once proper housing height has been established, reinstall viewport top recessed window frame with silicone caulking and stainless steel fasteners, then clear Plexiglas windows are installed with watertight gasket and stainless steel fasteners. Tempered glass will be affixed to viewport housing "box" with semi-permanent silicone adhesive/sealant or pre-formed watertight window seal with molding grooves "gaskets." Replacement windows are also available.

Claims

1. I claim that -An Aquatic Viewing Port Apparatus Model A-Flush Mount, an underwater viewing apparatus, is comprised of a lightweight molded plastic "box" viewport housing that accepts clear Plexiglas windows affixed to the view port housing's recessed window channels on deck and bottom of the sport board. The viewport housing is embedded thru personal flotation devices including but not limited to paddleboards and surfboards. Model A may be integrated into new sport boards during the manufacturing process When installed in paddleboards or surfboards, viewport housing window allows the rider whether in standing or lying position to look thru the board and view the sea floor in clear shallow waters

2. I claim that with -An Aquatic Viewing Port Apparatus Model B-Flange Mount, an underwater viewing apparatus is comprised of lightweight molded plastic "box" viewport housing. Model B viewport housing consists of a two-part housing: (1) A bottom viewport housing with a recessed window channel and (2) A viewport top frame with a recessed window channel that will accept clear Plexiglas windows on deck and bottom. The window on the Model B is affixed by means of pre-made rubber gaskets and secured by stainless steel fasteners. This creates a watertight seal between the viewport housing and window insert. Model B may be installed or retrofitted using silicone caulking and stainless steel fasteners into existing sport boards. The viewport housing is embedded thru personal flotation devices including, but not limited to, paddleboards and surfboards. Model B allows pre-cut and predrilled windows (size will vary according to board specification and size), to be changed and replaced easily. When installed in paddleboards or surfboards, viewport housing window allows the rider whether in standing or lying position to look thru the board and view the sea floor in clear shallow waters