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Buoyant mattress for snorkeler

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-11-09
KRANTZ JOSEPH H
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0030] It is therefore an object of this invention to enhance the versatility and underwater viewing pleasure experienced by a snorkeler floating on the surface of water.
[0031] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a supportive mattress for a snorkeler which reduces fatigue for extended periods of swimming while maintaining the underwater viewing pleasure of wearing a face mask and breathing through a snorkel.
[0032] Still another object of this invention is to provide a buoyant mattress for buoyantly supporting a snorkeler in the prone position thereatop and having an unobstructed viewing hole formed transversely entirely therethrough into which the face mask may be placed in underwater communication with the of water for enhanced underwater viewing and breathing comfort through the snorkel.

Problems solved by technology

Many of those who enjoy snorkeling using a face mask, however, may easily become fatigued, even in relaxed snorkeling without surface dives.
Additionally, if the open end of the snorkel becomes inadvertently submerged or waves or splashes cause water to enter into the snorkel, the inexperienced swimmer may ingest seawater with obvious unpleasant consequences.
Because the transparent viewing plane is placed at a considerable distance from the eyes of the swimmer, distortion is likely as well as limiting the angle and direction of viewing afforded by such prior art features.

Method used

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  • Buoyant mattress for snorkeler
  • Buoyant mattress for snorkeler
  • Buoyant mattress for snorkeler

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embodiment 20

[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 4, another embodiment of the invention is there shown generally at numeral 20. In this embodiment 20, the mattress 22 is the inflatable type and is formed of side-by-side elongated air chambers 28 formed by internal partitions 30 and inflated through an air valve (not shown). Flexible side handles 32 may be used for attaching other articles thereto.

[0043] This embodiment of the mattress 22 also includes a viewing hole 26 formed having a circular perimeter 24 entirely transversely through the thickness of the mattress 22. Positioning of the viewing hole 26 is adjacent one end of the mattress 22 and is centered laterally for optimal positioning with respect to a face mask F and a snorkel S worn by the snorkeler A. Again, as seen in FIG. 4, the head H of the snorkeler A may be positioned fully within the viewing opening 26 so that the lens L of the face mask F is positioned below the waterline W while the upper end of the snorkel S is positioned well ...

third embodiment

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 5, the invention is there shown generally at numeral 40 and formed of molded closed cell foam material such as skinned polyurethane foam to achieve body-supporting buoyancy. The mattress 42 is formed including a viewing hole 46 formed entirely transversely through the mattress 42 as defined by viewing perimeter 44 which is, again, circular and positioned adjacent one end of the mattress 42. The volume of foam and the thickness thereof are determined such that the typical child-sized or adult-sized snorkeler will be positioned with the lens L of the face mask F beneath the surface of the water W for enhanced underwater viewing, restfulness while being supported in the prone position atop the device 40 and assuring comfort that splashes or waves of water will not inadvertently enter into the open upper end of the snorkel S which could possibly lead to water ingestion by the snorkeler A.

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Abstract

A buoyant mattress device for a snorkeler. An elongated buoyant mattress is provided for buoyantly supporting the body weight of a snorkeler positioned thereatop in a prone position. A viewing hole formed transversely entirely through the mattress and entirely open therethrough is adapted in size and position adjacent to one end of said mattress for receiving a face mask and snorkel worn by the snorkeler while the snorkeler is supported in water in the prone position atop the mattress. The viewing hole is unobstructed to water entering therein through the open lower end thereof which, in combination with the thickness and buoyancy of the mattress places the viewing lens of the face mask below the surface of the water within the hole, providing the snorkeler with an unobstructed underwater view through the face mask.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not applicable STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC [0003] Not applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] 1. Field of the Invention [0005] This invention relates generally to accessories for swimmers and more particularly to a buoyant mattress for supporting a snorkeler in the prone position thereatop. [0006] 2. Description of Related Art [0007] For those who enjoy swimming and water activities, exploring the area beneath the surface of the water greatly enhances a swimmer's experience. A snorkeler's face mask and snorkel for breathing at the surface of the water while being able to have an underwater view is one form of such enhanced swimmer's enjoyment. This provides the swimmer with the greatest viewing clarity of the underwater areas because the transparent viewing lens is placed in very close proximity to the eyes ...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): B63B35/58
CPCB63B35/58B63C11/49B63B35/73B63B34/50
Inventor KRANTZ, JOSEPH H.
Owner KRANTZ JOSEPH H
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