Ships – Building – Observation boats
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-16
2001-10-16
Swinehart, Ed (Department: 3617)
Ships
Building
Observation boats
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302043
ABSTRACT:
FIELD AND BACKGROUND THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a discovery boat having an observation cabin which is disposed below the surface of the water and has large format observation windows facing to the side and forwards.
A known discovery boat of this type has a relatively wide hull with an observation cabin, which is submerged into the water, leading off in a downwards direction from it. In the rear region, the hull becomes wider, with ballast tanks being formed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The subject-matter of the invention is based on the object of providing the construction of a discovery boat of the type under discussion in a simpler and more versatile manner.
This object is achieved first and foremost in the case of a discovery boat of in which it is specified that the observation cabin is a transparent container which is open from above and is disposed in an opening in a deck extending between two floating bodies.
As a result of such a construction, a discovery boat of the type in question is provided, which is distinguished by a high use value and a favourable construction. It is not a single-hull boat; rather, in certain respects, it is a catamaran, the two floating bodies of which carry the deck extending between them. This deck is, in turn, carrier for the transparently constructed container which forms the observation cabin. Associated with this construction is high stability of the discovery boat when floating. A variation during the production of the discovery boat is possible in a simple manner, specifically in that merely by enlarging the spacing between the floating bodies, the deck also obtains a different size. Then another variation can be undertaken by an appropriate choice of floating bodies. Accordingly, the discovery boat according to the invention is constructed on the basis of a modular principle, which permits production costs to be reduced. In addition, the transparently constructed container provides an optimum view to all sides. Advantages in terms of transport engineering arise if the container can be separated from the hull of the boat. The corresponding mounting of the container, i.e. the association of it with the deck, can be carried out in a simple manner even by non-professionals. For the purpose of reducing drag, the container has a hydrodynamically rounded front. Otherwise, the container is substantially formed in two parts, with a transparent, tub-like bottom part and a sealing collar adjoining it approximately in the region of the waterline and providing the connection to the deck. A separable construction of bottom part and sealing collar is also recommended here. The sealing collar does not need to be made transparent. It fulfils a double function in that it forms a seat surround, i.e. a bench flanking the container mouth. Furthermore, provision is made for the rear wall of the container to constitute a flattened backrest, with the result that the container bottom serves as a seat surface. The container is dimensioned such that it provides space for two people sitting next to each other. Furthermore, provision is made to provide control- and/or drive-actuating mechanisms in the container, so that the discovery boat can be controlled from the observation cabin. Moreover, the transparent bottom of the container is formed to be flat. In order to protect the container, which is fashioned, for example, from acrylic glass, plexiglass etc., from damage, a bumper arrangement surrounds it. This bumper arrangement is preferably secured to the deck. In addition, the bumper arrangement is also used to hold, in the rear region, transporting wheels projecting beyond the container bottom. This allows the discovery boat to be put into the water or allows it to be pulled out of this element in an easier and danger-free manner. The deck furthermore constitutes a platform which can preferably be used for sunbathing, games etc. Advantages in terms of transport engineering arise by the platform being divided into two by a separating joint running in the longitudinal direction of the boat. At the rear end, the deck itself is carrier for a bench, so that the discovery boat is optimally equipped with seating opportunities. A pedal crank mechanism for the boat drive can be mounted in front of this bench itself. Furthermore, the bench can be used in order to accommodate an integrated cool-box. This results in a space-saving construction. A further advantageous feature of the invention is to be seen in the fitting of the discovery boat with a roof covering the deck including the container shaft. Solar cells disposed on this roof can be used to charge batteries for an electric drive of the discovery boat. Further complying with the modular principle is the measure of connecting the two floating bodies to each other by means of cross-beams. In detail, the latter are constructed so that they are inserted releasably into the floating bodies, which is associated with easier mounting and also removal. Furthermore, the cross-beams are carriers for the deck, so that they fulfil a further function. Advantages in terms of transport furthermore arise by the floating bodies forming individual hulls which can be separated transversely into two parts each. For the purpose of realising simple mounting and also removal, the individual hulls are plug-connected to one another. The space between the individual hulls is used to accommodate a pedal-driven paddle wheel. In order to stabilise the boat body, a ballast tank which can be filled with water is provided. The said ballast tank is formed in the shape of a U in plan view. Nesting together in association with a space-saving construction arises by the ballast tank surrounding the container sealing collar, specifically by the U-web facing forwards, i.e. in the direction of travel. Even the ballast tank is itself brought into the modular principle, by its being formed from two separate chambers which can be separated from each other. Securing of the ballast tank is effected below the deck. Otherwise, it fills the intermediate space between floating body and container side wall. It is advantageous as far as safety regulations are concerned to provide a net which can be stretched over the mouth of the container. This net may optionally even serve as a hammock. Advantages concerning safety regulations furthermore arise by the bumper arrangement forming a ring encircling the container bottom. The container region, which is particularly at risk, is therefore protected. It is optimal here for the ring to be formed as a double ring and to project below the bottom. The rear subregion of the ring is then used to receive the axles for the transporting wheels. In detail, this appears in such a way that the straight, rear region of the ring is aligned with the wheel axles. In order to stably secure the double ring in its front region, use is made of a front rod which extends from this double ring and is secured to the front end of the deck. The discovery boat obtains good manoeuvring capability by means of a double rudder system with a rudder blade associated with each floating body. The intermediate space between these rudder blades can be used to accommodate a propeller drive. It is preferably powered electrically, specifically by a battery incorporated in the bench. There is coupling between the propeller drive and the rudder blades in such a manner that the rudder blades can be pivoted synchronously with a displacement of the propeller drive about a pivot axis. With regard to the ballast tanks, it should furthermore be stressed that they are located above the waterline. Finally, an advantageous feature furthermore resides in the masts for the roof being based in or on the floating bodies. A plug-in connection can also be provided here, this connection firstly simplifying the installation, and secondly bringing about great stability with respect to the stability of the masts under load.
An alternative is distinguished by the mouth of the container shaft being covered by a three-part covering which can be unfolded into a bench positi
Farber Martin A.
Swinehart Ed
Vasudeva Ajay
LandOfFree
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