Hydraulic and earth engineering – Diving
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-28
2001-09-25
Will, Thomas B. (Department: 3673)
Hydraulic and earth engineering
Diving
C114S362000, C128S201270
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293733
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a diving system for observing the water bottom at low depths.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Up to the present time, water diving has been carried out using a diving mask and snorkel (i.e., a breathing tube approximately 30 cm in length, in which one end of the breathing tube is held in the diver's mouth and the other end is kept above the surface of the water), or scuba-diving equipment. However, such techniques require special training and equipment in order to observe formations such as coral reefs or the like lying at depths of around 5 m, and for this reason such methods are not suited to people desiring a simple viewing experience.
In order to solve this problem, various systems have been proposed, and examples include those systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,079,775, 5,193,530 and 5,471,976.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the problems of the prior art mentioned above, it is a first object of the present invention to provide a low-depth water bottom observation system which makes it possible for divers to observe the water bottom within a diving region without having to be accompanied by a guide person.
It is a second object of the present invention to provide a low-depth water bottom observation system which makes it possible for the divers to individually decide when to descend to the diving region and when to ascend to a diving base boat.
It is a third object of the present invention to provide a low-depth water bottom observation system which makes it possible for people who are waiting their turn to dive to use the open helmets that become available as individual divers return to the diving base boat.
It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a low-depth water bottom observation system which makes it possible for the divers to easily wear diving helmets.
It is a fifth object of the present invention to provide a low-depth water bottom observation system equipped with a step portion which can be stored on the deck of the diving base boat when the diving helmets are not being used in order to prevent the step portion from becoming a hindrance to the cruising of the diving base boat.
It is a sixth object of the present invention to provide a low-depth water bottom observation system equipped with a step portion which makes it possible for divers to safely descend into the water and ascend out of the water.
It is a seventh object of the present invention to provide a low-depth water bottom observation system which makes it possible to prevent tides and the like from lowering the safety of the diving base boat and divers when the diving base boat is stopped at a location for diving.
In order to achieve these objects, the low-depth water bottom observation system according the present invention includes a diving base boat equipped with a deck; an air supply system equipped with a plurality of air supply shut-off valves; a plurality of diving helmets; a plurality of air tubes which connect the diving helmets to the air supply shut-off valves; an air supply source which is connected to the air supply system; a step portion equipped with a non-slip platform, the step portion being pivotally mounted to the gunwale of the diving base boat to enable the step portion to be rotated between a first position in which the step portion is stored on the deck of the diving base boat, and a second position in which the step portion is positioned slightly above the surface of the water; a diving region frame arranged on the water bottom, the diving region frame including a peripheral arrangement of pipe anchors to hold the diving region frame to the water bottom, and at least one guide rope provided around upper portions of the pipe anchors to partition off a diving region;
a ladder which hangs down from the step portion to enable divers to descend down into the diving region frame from the diving base boat; at least one securing anchor fixed to the water bottom within the diving region frame; at least one securing rope for securing the ladder to the securing anchor; and at least one guide person for monitoring the divers as they move around the diving region frame and for monitoring the divers as they move between the diving base boat and the diving region frame.
In this low-depth water bottom observation system, because the divers stay within the diving region frame, the safety of the divers is ensured, and for this reason there is no need for the divers to be accompanied by a guide person as they move around. Accordingly, the first object of the present invention is achieved. Further, by keeping the divers within a prescribed diving region, the diving region frame prevents the divers from damaging formations such as coral reefs lying outside the diving region, whereby the surrounding environment is preserved. Preferably, an annular grating (preferably made of aluminum) is arranged on the water bottom around the inner periphery of the diving region frame to prevent the divers from being injured and to prevent the divers from trampling the water bottom inside the diving region frame.
Further, because the ladder hangs down from the diving base boat into the diving region frame, it is possible for individual divers to freely move between the diving base boat and the diving region frame. Accordingly, the second object of the present invention is achieved. Furthermore, because individuals returning to the diving base boat create open helmets which can be used by people waiting their turn to dive, efficient use is made of the diving helmets, and this achieves the third object of the present invention.
Further, in the case where a diver (such as a woman or child) has narrow shoulders, an adapter pad is preferably provided between the bottom opening of the diving helmet and the diver's shoulders. In this way, the fourth object of the present invention is achieved. Furthermore, because the load of the diving helmet is evenly placed on the shoulders, the burden on the diver is reduced.
Further, by pivotally mounting the step portion to the gunwale of the diving base boat, it becomes possible to store the step portion on the deck of the diving base boat when the diving helmets are not being used, and lower the step portion to a position slightly above the surface of the water when the diving helmets are being used. Accordingly, the fifth object of the present invention is achieved.
Further, by providing the step portion with a non-slip platform, it is possible to ensure the safety of divers as they descend into the water or ascend out of the water. Accordingly, the sixth object of the present invention is achieved. Furthermore, the non-slip platform is preferably provided with a plurality of water drainage holes to further achieve the sixth object of the present invention.
Further, by securing the ladder to anchors with ropes, it is possible to prevent tides and the like from lowering the safety of the diving base boat and divers when the diving base boat is stopped at a location for diving. Accordingly, the seventh object of the present invention is achieved.
Now, without the need for a special course and license, the average layman can use the low-depth water bottom observation system according to the present invention to safely enjoy water bottom observations with ease for a low fee after a brief training period involving only simple directions.
Moreover, because people who are waiting to dive can take their turn when helmets become open as individual divers return to the diving base boat, the number of divers is not limited by the number of helmets. Further, a larger air supply system can be used when more helmets are needed.
Furthermore, because the divers can safely move around the diving region frame with ease, there is no need for actual guidance. Accordingly, safe operations can be ensured so long as at least one guide person is stationed on the diving region frame.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1331819 (1920-02-01), Matheny
patent: 1561086 (1925-11-01), Korjibski
patent: 34
Addie Raymond W.
Hedman & Costigan ,P.C.
Will Thomas B.
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