Abstract:
An apparatus for viewing an environment. The environment may be, for example, water inside a fish tank, the interior of a pet cage or habitat, or simply a room divided by a wall or window. The apparatus includes a first viewing piece defining a first viewport. The apparatus may further include a second viewing piece defining a second viewport with the first and second viewing pieces operably connected by a bracket or magnets. One of the viewing pieces magnifies at least a portion of the environment, and the first viewport may at least partially aligns with the second viewport. A line with a stay may be connected to the one of the viewpieces for maintaining the viewing apparatus in a stationary position relative to the environment. The stay may be an anchor or a suction cup for attachment to a partition, such a fish tank or pet cage wall, at least partially defining the environment.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/762,666, entitled “Magnifying Viewing Apparatus” and filed Jan. 27, 2006 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/774,424, entitled “Magnifying Viewing Apparatus” and filed Feb. 17, 2006; which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a viewing device, and more particularly to an apparatus for viewing and magnifying at least a portion of the environment. 
         [0004]    2. Background Art 
         [0005]    Many people have fish tanks or other pet enclosures. Oftentimes, people may wish to view the interior of such an enclosure to check on their pets, other objects within the environment (such as food, water, toys, or decoration), and so forth. It may be inconvenient to enter the environment or open the enclosure, especially where the environment is aquatic. 
         [0006]    The enclosure may be at least partially defined by a partition. For example, if the enclosure is a fish tank, a glass wall forms part of the tank and is a partition between the interior environment (i.e., the water) and exterior environment (air). Especially in the case of small enclosures, viewing objects or the interior of the environment may prove difficult. This may be compounded where the environment distorts or alters viewing inside the enclosure, as in the case of water. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved apparatus for viewing the interior of an environment. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Generally, one embodiment of the present invention may take the form of an apparatus for viewing an environment. The environment may be, for example, water inside a fish tank, the interior of a pet cage or habitat, or simply a room divided by a wall or window. 
         [0009]    The apparatus may consist, for example, of a first viewing piece and a second viewing piece. The first and second viewing pieces may be separated in order to be placed on opposing sides of a partition separating the viewed environment from a viewer. For example, the viewer may stand outside an environment contained by a cage or glass wall at least partially defined by the partition. 
         [0010]    Both the first and second viewing pieces may include a viewport. For example, the first viewing piece may have a first viewport and the second viewing piece may have a second viewport. At least one of the first and second viewports may magnify an object within the environment so that a viewer looking through the magnifying viewport sees an enlarged version of object within the environment (or a portion of the environment). 
         [0011]    The first viewing piece may be placed on an outside of the partition and the second viewing piece on an inside of the partition. The first and second viewing pieces may be aligned on opposing sides of the partition, such that the first and second viewports are at least partially aligned. Thus, regardless of whether the first or second viewport is the magnifying viewport, a viewer looking through the embodiment when the first and second pieces are aligned will see a magnified view of the environment or object. 
         [0012]    Another embodiment of an apparatus for viewing an environment may take the form of a first viewing piece, a line connected the first viewing piece, and a stay connected to the line. The first viewing piece may define a first viewport and magnify at least a portion of the environment. The stay may be selectively connectable to a partition at least partially defining the environment. The line and stay may maintain the first viewing piece in a stationary position relative to the partition. 
         [0013]    The first and second viewing pieces may be of any size or shape. For example, in one embodiment, the first and second viewing pieces may both be round. It should be noted that the first and second viewing pieces need not necessarily be of the same size and/or shape. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a first viewing piece, in accordance with an embodiment of a viewing apparatus. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the first viewing piece of  FIG. 1 , viewed along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a second viewing piece, in accordance with an embodiment of the viewing apparatus. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the second viewing piece of  FIG. 3 , viewed along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a front view of a second embodiment of a second viewing piece. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the second viewing piece of  FIG. 5 , viewed along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a front view of a third embodiment of a second viewing piece. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view of the second viewing piece of  FIG. 7 , viewed along line  7 A- 7 A of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the second viewing piece of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a front view of an embodiment of a bracket and a first viewing piece. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a right side view of the bracket and first viewing piece of  FIG. 9 , which also shows an embodiment of the second viewing piece. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional of the bracket with the first viewing piece and the second viewing piece, viewed along line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a view showing the bracket supporting the first and second viewing pieces, the first viewing piece located outside an environment defined by a partition and the second viewing piece within the environment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a front perspective viewing of an embodiment of a bracket with first and second viewing pieces, the bracket mounted on a partition. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is an exploded front perspective view of the bracket with first and second viewing pieces of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the viewing apparatus. 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is a front perspective view of the two embodiments depicted in  FIG. 15  placed within an environment defined by a partition, each embodiment showing a line extending a different length. 
           [0031]      FIG. 17A  is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention, particularly showing the first viewing piece. 
           [0032]      FIG. 17B  is a rear perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention, particularly showing the second viewing piece. 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B . 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B , viewed along line  19 - 19  in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B , viewed along line  20 - 20  in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 21  is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0037]    Generally, one embodiment of the present invention may take the form of an apparatus for viewing an environment. The viewing apparatus may consist, for example, of a first viewing piece and a second viewing piece. The first and second viewing pieces may be separated by a select distance for placement on opposing sides of a partition separating the viewed environment from a viewer. For example, the viewer may stand outside an environment at least partially defined by the partition, such as a cage or glass wall. 
         [0038]    Both the first and second viewing pieces may include a viewport, such as a lens. For example, the first viewing piece may have a first viewport or lens and the second viewing piece may have a second viewport or lens. At least one of the first and second viewports may magnify an object within the environment so that a viewer looking through the magnifying viewport sees an enlarged version of object within the environment (or a portion of the environment). 
         [0039]    The first viewing piece may be placed on an outside of the partition and the second viewing piece on an inside of the partition. The first and second viewing pieces may be aligned on opposing sides of the partition, such that the first and second viewports are at least partially aligned. Thus, regardless of whether the first or second viewport is the magnifying viewport, a viewer looking through the embodiment when the first and second pieces are aligned will see a magnified view of the environment or object. 
         [0040]    The first and second viewing pieces may be of any size or shape. For example, in one embodiment, the first and second viewing pieces may both be round. However, the first and second pieces need not necessarily be of the same size and/or shape, and may be any desired size or shape. 
         [0041]    In one exemplary embodiment, the first viewing piece may include a first clear sheet of glass, plastic, Plexiglas, a transparent polymer, or the like. This sheet may have a shape and/or size generally matching that of the first viewing piece. The first sheet may be circular, for example. 
         [0042]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first viewing piece  100  may include a first casing  105  at least partially encircling a first sheet  110 . The first casing  105  may be a toroid or doughnut shape, for example, with the opening therein defining the first viewport. The first sheet  110  may extend across this viewport. That is, the first casing  105  may be a hollow cylinder, with the interior hollow defining the viewport and the first sheet  110  extending across the hollow, for example along a plane running through the interior of the hollow or the base of the hollow. The first sheet  110  may be clamped to, received within, adhered to, welded, or otherwise affixed or joined to the first casing  105 . For example,  FIG. 2 , which is a cross-sectional view viewed along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 , shows the first sheet  110  received within the first casing  105 . Alternatively, the first sheet  110  may be affixed or joined to an exterior portion of the first casing  105 , such as the casing&#39;s front or rear side, or to an interior portion of the casing  105 , such as the hollow. As another example, the first sheet  110  may extend partially into or through one or more sidewalls  120  of the first casing  105 . For example, the first sheet  110  may extend through the inner sidewall  120  of a cylindrically-shaped first casing  105  (i.e., through the sidewall  120  defining the interior hollow). The fitting between the first sheet  110  and first casing  105  may be sufficiently snug that the first sheet  110  will not move when received by the first casing  105 . Alternatively, and as mentioned above, the first sheet  110  may be affixed to the first casing  105  with an adhesive or by heat or sonic welds. The first casing  105  may be formed from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, plastic, Plexiglas, glass, metal, metal alloy, ceramic, a polymer, and so forth. 
         [0043]    In yet another embodiment, the first casing  105  may be omitted. The first sheet  110  may be cast or formed in such a manner that a segment of the first sheet  110  is thickened or expanded to take the place of the first casing  105 . Thus, the aforementioned hollow cylinder with the first sheet  110  extending across a portion of the hollow, such as an interior plane or the base of the hollow, may be created as a unitary element out of the material used to form the first sheet  110 . 
         [0044]    The first viewing piece  100  may include decorative elements designed to create a specific appearance. For example, the first casing  105 , or the first sheet  110  may have studs, hinges, and so forth attached thereto or integrally formed thereon, to create the appearance of a porthole or ship&#39;s window. 
         [0045]    Similar to the first viewing port, the second viewing port may include a second casing and a second viewing sheet. As with the first viewing port, the second sheet may be affixed to, partially enclosed by, or otherwise attached to the second casing. 
         [0046]    In many embodiments, however, the second casing is omitted entirely.  FIG. 3 , for example, is a front view of a second viewing piece  150  omitting the second casing. Here, the second sheet  155  forms both an interior lens  160  and an outer cylindrical support  165 . As seen in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 4 , viewed along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 , the lens  160  and outer support  165  may be formed from the same material and comprise a single piece. In some embodiments, however, the second viewing piece  150  may be formed from multiple pieces suitably joined together to form a unitary piece. Thus, there is no casing about the lens, insofar as the lens  160  extends through the support to the outer edge of the second sheet  155  and no separate component overlies or surrounds the lens  160 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 5  depicts an alternative embodiment of the second viewing piece  150  where like numbers are used for similar elements. In this embodiment, the outer support  165  is partially cut away when compared to the support  165  shown in  FIG. 3 . Essentially, a first and a second arcuate wing replace the cylindrical support  165 . The first and second arcuate wings may be formed at opposing edges of the lens or second sheet  160 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , which is a cross-sectional view viewed along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 , the wings  205 ,  210  and lens  160  may be formed as a single piece. However, as with the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the second viewing piece may in some embodiments be formed from multiple pieces suitably joined together to form a unitary piece. Also, the support  165  may have no more or less than two wings as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Further, the wings may be any other suitable or desired shape. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 7 and 8  depict yet another embodiment of the second viewing piece  150  where like numbers are used for similar elements. Again, the second viewing piece  150  includes a lens  160 , a first arcuate wing  205  and a second arcuate wing  210 . The first and second wings  205 ,  210  are connected to one another not only by the lens  160 , but also by first and second semicircular disc segments  230 ,  235 . The disc segments  230 ,  235  may be thinner (e.g. have less depth) than the lens  160  and/or wings  205 ,  210 .  FIG. 8 , for example, is a top view of the second viewing piece  225  shown in  FIG. 7 . The first disc segment  230  is shown connecting the first wing  205  to the second wing  210 . Further, the inwardly-sloping sidewalls  240 ,  245  of the first and second wings  205 ,  210  may be seen. As with the embodiments of  FIGS. 3-6 , the embodiment of the second viewing piece  150  shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  is generally formed as a unitary piece. However, in some embodiments, the second view piece may be formed from multiple pieces suitably joined together to form a unitary piece. 
         [0049]    The lens  160  of the second viewing piece  150  is typically convex for magnifying objects in the environment, or a portion of the environment. In some embodiments, the first sheet  110  may be convex and the lens  160  of the second sheet  155  flat. In yet other embodiments, both the first sheet  110  and the lens  160  of the second sheet  155  may be formed into convex lenses. 
         [0050]    Additionally, the lens, whether formed as part of the first sheet  110 , second sheet  155 , or both, may be curved on both its front side and back side as opposed to having a flat back side, as shown, for example, in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0051]    To align the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150 , some aligning apparatus or mechanism must be provided. For example, the first and second viewing pieces may be connected by a C-shaped or U-shaped bracket  300 . One such bracket  300  is shown in front view in  FIG. 9  and side view in  FIG. 10 . The bracket  300  may have a first arm  305 , a second arm  310 , and a back  315  connecting the first and second arms  305 ,  310 . Alternatively, the back  315  may be omitted and the first and second arms  305 ,  310  directly connected to one another. Using the bracket  300 , the first viewing piece  100  may be placed on an outside of the partition  320  and the second viewing piece  150  on the inside of the partition  320  as depicted in  FIG. 12 . As shown in  FIGS. 11 ,  13  and  14 , the first arm  305  may be attached, either removably or non-removably, to the first viewing piece  100 , and the second arm  310  may be removably or non-removably attached to the second viewing piece  150 . The back  315  may stabilize and align the first and second arms  305 ,  310 , and thus maintain the relative positioning of the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150 . 
         [0052]    The back  315  may be composed of the single piece of material as shown in  FIG. 11 , or composed of two or more pieces of material as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the back  315  may include a first back piece  325  and a second back piece  330 . The first back piece  325  may be formed with a first back body  335  defining a first arm aperture  340  for receiving the first arm  305 . The distance between the first viewing piece  100  and the back  315  may be selectively changed by sliding the first arm  305  through the first arm aperture  340 . As the first arm  305  is slid upwardly or downwardly through the first arm aperture  340 , the distance between the first viewing piece  100  and the back  315  decreases or increases respectively. As the distance between the first viewing piece  100  and the back  315  decreases or increases, the distance the first viewing piece  100  extends from the top of a partition  320  decreases or increases, respectively, when the back  315  rests on the partition  320  as shown in  FIG. 13 , thus allowing a user to adjust the elevation of the first viewing piece  100  relative to the viewing environment. 
         [0053]    Similar to the first back piece  332 , the second back piece  330  may be formed from a second back body  360  defining a second arm aperture  365  for receiving the second arm  310 . Like the first viewing piece  100 , the distance between the second viewing piece  150  and the back  315  may be changed by sliding the second arm  310  through the second arm aperture  365 . Similarly, as the distance between the second viewing piece  150  and the back  315  decreases or increases, the distance the second viewing piece  150  extends from the top of the partition  320  decreases or increases, respectively, thus allowing a user to adjust the elevation of the second viewing piece  150  relative to the viewing environment. 
         [0054]    The first and second arm apertures  340 ,  365  may be sized to receive the first and second arms  305 ,  310  and frictionally or mechanically prevent the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150  from moving relative to the back  315  unless the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150  are selectively moved by the user. Alternatively, the first back piece  325 , the second back piece  330 , or both may include a hole or holes for receiving a locking device, such as a screw or the like, to selectively engage or disengage the first arm  305  and/or the second arm  310  to prevent or allow movement of the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150  relative to the back  315 . 
         [0055]    A pair of back adjustment apertures  370  may be formed in the second back body  360  and receive back adjustment arms  375  extending from the first back body  335 . As the back adjustment arms  375  are slid forwardly and rearwardly through their respective back adjustment apertures  370 , the distance between the first back body  335  in the second back body  330  decreases and increases respectively, thus changing the distance between the first viewing piece  100  and the second viewing piece  150 . Selectively changing the distance between the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150  allows the viewing apparatus to be used with partitions  320  having different thicknesses. 
         [0056]    Like the first and second arm apertures  340 ,  365 , the back adjustment apertures  370  may be sized to fractionally receive the back adjustment arms  375  and prevent the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150  from moving towards or away from each other unless the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150  are selectively moved by the user. Similarly, the second back piece  330  may include a hole or holes for receiving a back adjustment locking device, such as a screw or the like, to selectively engage or disengage at least one of the back adjustment arms  375  to prevent or allow movement of the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150  towards or away from each other. 
         [0057]    In operation, the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150  may be positioned relative to each other by sliding the back adjustment arms  375  within the back adjustment apertures  370  to receive the partition  320  between the arms. The distance each viewing piece  100 ,  150  extends from the top of the partition  320  may be adjusted by sliding the respective arm  305 ,  310  up or down through its respective arm aperture  340 ,  365 . A user may position the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150  to generally align as shown in  FIG. 13 . However, if desired, the user may position the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150  so that they do not align. 
         [0058]    The first arm and the second arm may each be composed of a single piece of material as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Alternatively, the first arm and the second arm may each be composed of multiple segments joined together to form the first and second arm respectively. The first arm segments may be designed to nest into each other in order to allow the first arm to telescope from a retracted position to an extended position. Similarly, the second arm segments may be designed to nest into each other to allow the second arm to extend from a retracted position to an extended position. By telescoping the first and second arm segments into each other, the first arm and the second arm may be adjusted from a retracted position to an extended position thereby allowing for the adjustment of the first viewing piece and the second viewing piece relative to the back. Such adjustment may be used to adjust the position that the first viewing piece and/or the second viewing piece extends from the upper edge of the partition thereby allowing the user to adjust the elevation of the viewing pieces relative to the viewing environment. 
         [0059]    As an alternative, a portion of either the first or the second viewing piece  100 ,  150  may be made of a metal, and magnets may be placed in the other viewing piece  150 ,  100 . For example, the casing  105  of the first viewing piece  100  may be made from metal, and at least one magnet  350  may be placed in the second viewing piece  150 . Continuing the particular example,  FIGS. 3 ,  5  and  7  depict six magnets  350  placed in the outer support  165  or wings  205 ,  210 . For the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , three magnets  350  may be placed in each wing  205 ,  210 . As another example, one of first or second viewing pieces  100 ,  150  may have at least a portion made of metal, and the other may have at least a portion made of magnetic material. 
         [0060]    The exact positioning of the magnets  350  may vary. The embodiments of  FIGS. 3 ,  5  and  7  depict the back of the magnets  350  as approximately level with the back of the second viewing piece  150 . However, the magnets  350  may be positioned with their fronts level with the front of the viewing piece, the magnets  350  may be surrounded by the viewing piece, the magnets  350  may surround an outer surface or a portion of the viewing piece, or some combination thereof. Similarly, the viewing piece(s)  100 ,  150  may be formed around the magnet or magnets  350 , or one or more apertures may be formed in the viewing piece(s)  100 ,  150  to permit insertion of the magnets  350 . The magnets  350  may be joined to the viewing pieces  100 ,  150  by mechanical fasteners, adhesives, heat or sonic welds, any other method for joining elements together, or by any combination thereof. 
         [0061]    The magnet or magnets  350  may attract the metal, or other suitable material, of the first viewing piece&#39;s casing  105 . This magnetic attraction may be exerted between the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150  while they are on opposing sides of the environment&#39;s partition  320 . Further, the magnetic attraction, coupled with a friction between the partition  320  and the first viewing piece  100  and the partition  320  and the second viewing piece  150 , may serve to hold the viewing pieces  100 ,  150  in relative alignment to one another and at a particular point on the partition  320 . 
         [0062]    Additionally, the magnetic attraction of the second viewing piece  150  to the first viewing piece  100  may be sufficiently strong that the second viewing piece  150  may slide along the interior of the partition  320  as the first viewing piece  100  moves along the exterior of the partition  320 . In this manner, the positioning of the second viewing piece  150  along the partition  320  may be controlled by, and subject to, the motion of the first viewing piece  100 . This may permit a viewer to move both the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150  to change the portion of the environment (or object within the environment) magnified by the device. 
         [0063]      FIG. 15  depicts an alternative embodiment of the viewing apparatus with like numbers used for similar elements similar to those in other embodiments. In this embodiment, the outer viewing piece (i.e., first viewing piece) may be omitted. The second or inner viewing piece  150  may be of any type described herein, and may include decorative elements as discussed above. A line  400 , such as a rope, chain, or the like, may be affixed to the inner viewing piece  150 , and a stay  405  affixed to the end of the line  400  opposite the connection between line  400  and inner viewing piece  150 . The stay  405  may be configured to attach to a portion of the partition  320 , such as an upper edge, as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0064]    When the stay  405  is attached to the partition  320 , the inner viewing piece  150  may be placed inside the environment adjacent the partition&#39;s interior surface  410  as shown in  FIG. 16 , or may be placed outside the environment adjacent the partition&#39;s exterior surface. The line  400  may extend from the stay  405  into the environment. The combination of stay  405  and line  400  may maintain the inner viewing piece  150  in a fixed position with respect to the partition  320 , thus permitting a viewer to look through the inner viewing piece  150  and see a magnified section of the environment. 
         [0065]    The stay  405  may take a variety of forms. For example, and as depicted in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the stay  405  may be a catch, hook, or anchor that catches on an upper edge of the partition  320 . Alternatively, the stay  405  may take the form of a suction cup or a magnet that sticks to the partition  320 . 
         [0066]    The line  400  may have an adjustable length between the inner viewing piece  150  and the stay  450  such that the inner viewing piece  150  may be moved vertically with respect to the partition  320 . As an example, the inner viewing piece  150  or the stay  405  may include a hook  415 , clip or the like for attachment with the line  400  to vary the effective distance along the line  400  between the inner viewing piece  150  and the stay  405  as shown in  FIG. 16 . As yet another example, the line  400  may be connected to a winch or the like, joined, for example, to the stay  405  or inner viewing piece  150 , and selectively wrapped and unwrapped from the winch or the like to change the length of the line  400  between the inner viewing piece  150  and the stay  405 . The foregoing examples are merely illustrative and any other known mechanism may be used to adjust the effective length of the line  400  between the inner viewing piece  150  and the stay  405 . 
         [0067]    The embodiment of  FIG. 15  generally permits a viewer to retrieve the inner viewing piece  150  without putting their hand (or any other portion of their body) into the environment. The viewer may pick up the stay  405  and pull the inner viewing piece  150  out of the environment. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 17-21  depict yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention with like numbers used for elements similar to those in other embodiments. The present embodiment may share certain characteristics with previously-described embodiments. Further, any or all of the features or elements described with respect to  FIGS. 17-21  may be employed with other embodiments described herein. For example, previously-described embodiments may employ a Fresnel lens. 
         [0069]      FIGS. 17A and 17B  are front and rear perspective views of the present embodiment mounted to a partition  320  separating an environment from a user. The embodiment may include a first viewing piece  105 , generally circular in shape, and a second viewing piece  150 . As shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B , the environment is generally visible through the interiors of the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150 . 
         [0070]    The first viewing piece  100  may generally similar to the first viewing piece described above with respect to  FIG. 2 , and the second viewing piece  150  may be generally similar to the second viewing piece described above with respect to  FIG. 5 . The first viewing piece  100  may, however, lack any first sheet. Alternatively, the first sheet may be affixed to (or received within) a hinged window frame  500 . 
         [0071]    As shown best in  FIG. 18 , the hinged window frame  500  may be attached to a first base  505  by a hinge  510  joined to a hinge bar  512 . Additionally, one or more wing nut studs  515  may project from the first base  505  and through one or more stud receiving holes  514  defined in the window frame  500 . Wing nuts  520  joined to the studs  515  may aid in securing the window frame  500  to the first base  505 . Further, the wing nuts  520  may be turned or rotated to disengage from the studs  515 , thus permitting the window frame  500  to rotate about the hinge bar  512  and at least partially away from the first base  505 . In this manner the window frame  500  may be opened much like a porthole. 
         [0072]    A metal ring  525  (see  FIG. 21 ) may be secured to the back of the first base  505 . The metal ring  525  may be glued, adhered, or mechanically fixed to the first base  505 . The first window  500 , first base  505 , and so forth may be made of any suitable material, including plastic, metal, glass, wood, and so forth. In embodiments where the first base  505  is made of a metal (and particularly a metal susceptible to magnetic attraction), the metal ring  525  may be omitted. 
         [0073]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the present embodiment taken along line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 18 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the second viewing piece  150  is positioned on a side of the partition  320  opposite the first viewing piece  100 . The second viewing piece  150  generally is molded or made from a plastic or glass. The second viewing piece  150  (see  FIG. 21 ) has an outer, circular rim  530 . The rim  530  may extend across only a portion of the second viewing piece&#39;s circumference, as shown in  FIG. 21 , or may extend along the entirety of the circumference. Essentially, the outer rim  530  may take the form of a first and second arcuate wing connected by first and second semicircular disc segments, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 7 and 8 . As yet another option, the rim  530  may consist of only the first and second arcuate wings. 
         [0074]    With continued reference to  FIG. 21 , the interior portion of the second piece may be generally flat, in contrast to the convex lenses described above with respect to other embodiments. This interior portion may be, for example, a Fresnel lens  535 , and thus may provide magnifying properties permitting a user to view a magnified portion of the environment. 
         [0075]    As shown in  FIG. 21 , the outer rim  530  of the second viewing piece  150  may include one or more depressions  540  formed therein. Each such depression  540  may accept a magnet  350 , which may be glued, adhered, or otherwise fastened to the second viewing piece  150 . Typically, although not necessarily, the depressions  540  are formed on the side of the rim  530  abutting the partition. 
         [0076]    The magnet or magnets  350  generally exert sufficient magnetic force to attract the metal rim  525  of the first viewing piece  100 . Further, the magnetic attraction between the magnets  350  of the second viewing piece  150  and metal rim  525  of the first viewing piece  105  is sufficient to trap the partition therebetween and hold the first and second viewing pieces  100 ,  150  in place (possibly in conjunction with friction between the partition and first and second pieces). 
         [0077]    An anchor or stay  405  may be attached by a line  400  to the second viewing piece  150 , as shown in  FIG. 19 . The anchor  405  (or other stay) may be affixed or placed over a top of the partition  320 . A user may remove the second viewing piece  150  from the environment by pulling on the line  400 . In this manner, the user may remove the second viewing piece  150  without necessarily placing his or her hand into the environment. 
         [0078]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 18 . The cross sectional view of  FIG. 20  depicts, for example, the relationship between the wing nuts  520  and the wing nut studs  515 .  FIG. 20  also shows the magnets  350  abutting the partition  320 . As described in more detail above, the magnets  350  attract the metal ring  525  (or metal) of the first viewing piece  100  to maintain the position of the first viewing piece  100  relative to the second viewing piece  150  when separated by the partition  320 . 
         [0079]    It should be noted that all directional references set forth herein (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are relative and only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and are not limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. References to any joinder of elements (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. 
         [0080]    In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end” should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, part, member or the like. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.