Abstract:
The invention relates to a discovery boat ( 1 ) with a viewing cabin located beneath the surface of the water. Said viewing cabin has large viewing windows looking out to the side and forwards. According to the invention, the viewing cabin is a transparent vessel which is open from above and which is located in an opening of a deck, said deck extending between two floating bodies ( 2 ). This ensures a simple, versatile construction.

Description:
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 position. The covering accordingly fulfils a double function: firstly, it is used, in the position occupying a planar surface, as a covering for the container shaft, so that when the discovery boat is not in service, the ingress of dust, moisture etc. into the interior of the container shaft is prevented. The covering can also serve in this position as a sunshade. Secondly, the unfoldable covering in its bench position provides a seating opportunity for boat users, the seat surface being extended by the seat surround with enlargement of the bench surface. The seat surround is then also used by at least some of the masts engaging through a retaining opening, which is spaced apart from the deck, in the seat surround and being fixed on a plug-in base associated with the deck. In this way a stable support for the relevant masts for the sunroof is achieved, so that no cross-beam needs to be used at the base end for masts supported by the seat surround. Provision is furthermore made for the plug-in base to be screwed into a threaded sleeve in the screw connection holding the cross-beam to the hull. The respective plug-in base provided in the region of the cross-beam is thereby secured in a particularly stable manner, with the result that the mast carried by it is secured in a stable manner. The plug-in base is connected in integral manner into the screw connection between cross-beam and hull, which is associated with particularly high stability in the region of the screw connection. In detail, with regard to the screw connection, the arrangement is such that the threaded sleeve is seated in a screw cut-out in the cross-beam and is screwed onto a threaded rod securely laminated into the hull. However, it is also possible to fit a railing rod onto the plug-in base. Furthermore, provision is made, according to the invention, for the plug-in base to hold a cover plate. In order to prevent the container from being bumped during transportation on land or in water, the bumper protection is secured in the bottom region on the container. In this arrangement, the bumper protection, which is formed as a ring, surrounds the container bottom at a spacing and is secured to the container by mounting webs. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the following, two exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to the drawings, in which 
     FIG. 1 shows, in a schematic illustration, a side view of a discovery boat, relating to the first embodiment, 
     FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the discovery boat, with the roof omitted, 
     FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the discovery boat, 
     FIG. 4 shows a perspective illustration of the floating bodies which can be divided transversely, together with the cross-beams connecting them, specifically before the individual hulls are plugged together, 
     FIG. 5 shows a perspective illustration of the deck divided into two in the longitudinal direction of the boat, 
     FIG. 6 shows a perspective illustration of the observation cabin formed by a container, 
     FIG. 7 shows the section along the line VII-VII in FIG. 6, 
     FIG. 8 shows a perspective illustration of the ballast tank which is U-shaped in plan view and forms two separate chambers, 
     FIG. 9 shows a cross section through the one U-limb of the ballast tank, in the region where it is secured below the deck, 
     FIG. 10 shows a perspective illustration of the discovery boat according to the second embodiment, 
     FIG. 11 shows a perspective illustration in the region of the container shaft covered at the mouth end, 
     FIG. 12 shows an illustration corresponding to FIG. 11, but with the covering unfolded into a bench position, 
     FIG. 13 shows a horizontal section through the container, with a view of the bumper arrangement which is provided at the bottom end of the container and whose ring surrounds the container bottom at a distance, 
     FIG. 14 shows a side view towards the lower end of the container with a bumper arrangement associated with the latter, and 
     FIG. 15 shows a vertical section of the discovery boat in the region of the point of connection between a floating body cross-beam deck and a mast. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     According to the first embodiment, the discovery boat, which is denoted as a whole by the numeral  1 , has two floating bodies  2  which are disposed parallel to each other, form the hull and are connected to each other by means of two cross-beams  3  and  4 . Leading off from the ends of the cross-beams  3 ,  4  are downwardly directed plug-in pegs  5  which enter into plug-in openings  6 , which match them in cross section, in the floating bodies  2 . The plug-in pegs are fixed there by means of means (not shown). 
     Each floating body  2  forms individual hulls  2 ′,  2 ″ which can be divided transversely into two parts each. In regard to the individual hulls  2 ′, these are the bow-side ones, from which there extend plug-in bolts  7 , which project over the separating joint. These plug-in bolts engage in plug-in holes  8 , which are associated with them, in the individual hull  2 ″. 
     Between the two floating bodies  2 , there extends a deck  9  which also partly covers the upper side of the floating bodies. In detail, this deck forms a platform P, the platform being divided in two by a separating joint T which runs in the longitudinal direction of the boat, the parts  10  and  11  extending on either side of it. This platform P is substantially rectangular in plan view. The deck  9  is connected in a manner which is not shown to the two floating bodies  2  to form a unit. In the connected position, the deck  9  covers the cross-beams  3  and thereby secures the plug-in engagement between the plug-in pegs  5  and the plug-in openings  6 , so that a separate means of securing in this regard can be omitted. For this purpose, the ends of the cross-beams  3 ,  4  are located in a positive manner in transverse grooves  12  in the individual hulls  2 ′,  2 ″. From FIG. 4, it is particularly clearly shown that the cross-beam  3  is associated with the front individual hulls  2 ′ and the cross-beam  4  is associated with the rear individual hulls  2 ″. 
     The platform P which forms the deck  9  and is supported by the cross-beams  3 ,  4  has an opening  13  crossing the separating joint T. This opening accommodates an observation cabin in a positive manner. The observation cabin is a transparent container  14  which is open from above and is disposed between the two floating bodies  2 . The container  14  is constructed such that it can be separated from the hull and from the deck  9 . The container  14  is basically formed in two parts. It has a transparent, tub-like bottom part  15  and a sealing collar  17  adjoining it approximately in the region of the waterline  16 . There is a screw connection  18  between the bottom part  15  and the sealing collar  17 , cf. FIG. 7, in particular, in this respect. On the outside, the sealing collar  17  carries a horizontally aligned, U-shaped mounting rail  19  which is connected fixedly to it, extends around it in annular manner, encircles the corresponding boundary edges of the opening  13  and thus holds the container  14  in its position with respect to the hull and with respect to the deck  9 . In the mounted position of the container  14 , its bottom part  15  projects beyond the keel line of the floating bodies  2 . Furthermore, the sealing collar  17  protrudes over the surface of the deck  9  and forms a U-shaped seat surround  20  there. In contrast to the transparent, tub-like bottom part  15 , the sealing collar  17  does not need to consist of see-through material. In addition, the container has a hydrodynamically rounded front F which faces in the direction of travel. It can then be seen from FIG. 6 that the rear wall R of the container forms a flattened backrest. Furthermore, the container  14  is dimensioned such that it provides space for two people sitting next to each other. The transparent bottom  21  of the bottom part  15  and of the container  14  is formed to have a flat surface. 
     On the inside, the rear wall R of the container  14  carries a shaft  22  in order to accommodate control- and/or drive-actuating mechanisms  28  there, so that it is possible to control the discovery boat from the observation cabin. 
     Furthermore, the container  14  is surrounded by a bumper arrangement  23 . This bumper arrangement forms a ring  24  encircling the container bottom  21 . The ring is formed as a double ring in such a manner that the lower ring projects below the container bottom  21 , cf. FIGS. 1 and 3. The double ring runs approximately parallel to the plan-view shape of the container bottom  21 . Accordingly, in the rear region, the double ring is fashioned such that it is straight. Extending in an upwards direction from this straight region are two supporting rods  25  which lead to the deck and are secured to the deck  9  at their upper end. At the lower end, the two supporting rods  25 , which are located on both sides of the observation cabin, are provided with axles  26  for receiving transporting wheels  27  which project downwards over the lower ring of the double ring  24 . 
     It can furthermore be seen from FIG. 1 that the straight, rear region of the double ring  24  is aligned with the wheel axles  26 . Extending from the front, central region of the double ring  24  and directed obliquely upwards is a front rod  29  which, for its part, is secured to the front end of the deck  9 . The container  14  thereby obtains optimum protection against impact on all sides. 
     On the rear side, the deck  9  is carrier for a bench  30  which has an integrated cool-box  31  below the seat surface. Then, below the seat surface, a separate space can also be provided, in order, for example, to accommodate rechargeable batteries A. A pedal crank mechanism  32  configured for two people is mounted in front of the bench  30 . The crankshaft  33  of this mechanism drives a paddle wheel  34  extending between the floating bodies  2 . 
     In the region behind the bench  30 , an electrically powered propeller drive  35  is provided in the longitudinal centre of the discovery boat  1 . This propeller drive can be pivoted about a vertical tiller-forming shaft  36 . The pivoting displacement of the propeller drive  35  is transmitted synchronously to a double rudder system  37 . For this purpose, an individual rudder blade  38  is associated with each floating body  2 , the two rudder blades  38  acting on the tiller by way of coupling rods  39 . The propeller drive  37  is thus coupled to the control mechanism  28 . 
     Furthermore, the deck  9  carries a roof  41  which covers it including the container shaft  40 . In plan view, this roof is fashioned such that it is rectangular. The masts  42  for the roof  41 , which masts are provided in the corner region of the roof  41 , are based in or on the floating bodies  2 . If the base ends engage in the floating bodies  2 , this is associated with particularly high stability for the masts. The rear subregion of the roof  41  is used in order to accommodate solar cells  43  which serve to charge batteries, not shown, for the electric operation of the propeller drive  35 . 
     To ensure that the discovery boat  1  is sufficiently stable when floating, use is made of a ballast tank  44  which can be filled with water. The ballast tank is situated above the waterline  16 , cf. FIG. 1, in particular, in this respect. In plan view, the ballast tank is fashioned in the shape of a U and surrounds the container sealing collar  17  in such a manner that the U-web  45  of the ballast tank  44  faces forwards. 
     In detail, the ballast tank  44  has two separate chambers  46 ,  47  which can be separated from each other. The separating joint runs in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. These individual chambers may be plugged together in a suitable manner. In order to secure the ballast tank  44 , the tank provides edge flanges  49 ,  50  protruding at the upper end of the two U-limbs  48 . The edge flange  49  is adjacent to the floating body  2  and engages over a Z-shaped retaining strip  51  of the deck  9 , while the edge flange  50  rests on an angle leg  52  of the angle piece which extends around the sealing collar  17  in annular manner. The angle leg  52  in question extends below the mounting rail  19 , so that the ballast tank  44  is covered by the deck  9 . Otherwise, the ballast tank  44  fills, with its U-limbs  48 , the intermediate space between the floating bodies  2  and the container side walls. 
     For safety reasons, a net  53  is associated with the mouth of the container shaft  40 , cf. FIG.  1 . The net  53  may optionally also be used as a hamdock 
     Then, on the bow side of the deck  9  is a manual beam emitter  54 , which is switched on when travelling at night. There is likewise a chain of lights  55  on the roof  41  for the purpose of travelling at night. 
     In the second embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 10 to  15 , components carry the same reference numerals. One difference is that the mouth of the container shaft  40  is now covered by a three-part covering  56 . The latter is composed of three individual covering plates  57 ,  58 ,  59 , which are connected in an articulated manner to one another, in such a manner that the central individual covering plate  58  is connected to to the individual covering plates  57 ,  59  neighbouring it by way of folding edges  60 ,  61 . The folding edges  60 ,  61  here run transversely to the longitudinal direction of the discovery boat. According to FIG. 11, the individual covering plates  57 ,  58 ,  59  take up their position covering the container shaft  40  in such a way that, for example, protection against the sun and light is achieved, in order, for example, to be able to better view the water environment from the container interior. 
     However, it is also possible to bring the covering  56  into the bench position, shown in FIG.  12 . In this case, the individual covering plate  59  constitutes the seat surface, while the adjoining individual covering plate  58 , which runs at an angle to the plate  59 , serves as a backrest. The individual covering plate  57 , which runs in a downwards direction by way of the folding edge  60 , rests on the seat surround  20  and can be fixed in its position there by means of a catch, not illustrated, for example. With the provision of a plurality of catches, the inclination position of the individual covering plate  58  forming the backrest can be varied. 
     FIGS. 13 and 14 show that the bumper arrangement  23  is mounted in the bottom region of the container  14 . The relevant ring  24  runs parallel to the outer wall of the container  14  and is there secured to the container  14  by mounting webs  62 . 
     The ring section  24 ′, which faces in the bow direction, carries a supporting wheel  63  in the form of a roller, and so, in conjunction with the transporting wheels  27 , when the discovery boat is put down, it is reliably avoided that the container bottom is placed on the ground. 
     According to this second exemplary embodiment, two of the masts  42  holding the roof  41  are arranged in alignment with the seat surround  20  of the container shaft  40 . These masts  42 , which are situated closer to the bow of the boat, engage through retaining openings  64 , which are associated with them, in the seat surround  20 , in order for their free, lower ends, to enter into overlap with supporting bases  65  in the deck. These masts  42  in question are therefore supported at two points, namely the supporting bases  65  and the retaining openings  64 , which is associated with these masts  42  having high stability under load. 
     In contrast, the other two masts  42 , which are situated closer to the rear, interact with plug-in bases  66  which are part of a screw connection connecting the cross-beam  3 ′ to the floating body  2 . In detail, the screw connection contains a threaded rod  67  which is securely laminated into the hull and whose stem engages through the cross-beam  3 ′ and projects into a screw cut-out  68 , which is open at the top, in the cross-beam  3 ′. A threaded sleeve  69 , which clamps the cross-beam  3 ′ to the floating body  2 , is screwed onto the free end of the threaded rod  67 . For this purpose, the threaded sleeve  69  carries, at its upper end, a hexagon head  69 ′ for engagement of a screwing tool. Part of the hexagon head  69 ′ projects into a hole  70  in the plate-form deck  9 . The deck  9  is clamped to the threaded sleeve  69  and thus to the cross-beam  3 ′ and to the floating body  2  by means of the plug-in base  66 . The latter has a threaded pin  66 ′ which is disposed coaxially with respect to it, engages through a cover plate  71  and is screwed into the threaded sleeve  69 . The cover plate  71  closes the hole  70  and its edge engages in sealing manner against the region of the deck  9  neighbouring the hole  70 . Between the threaded pin  66 ′ and the plug-in base  66 , the latter provides a hexagon  66 ″ for engagement of a screwing tool. By screwing the threaded pin of plug-in base  66  into the threaded sleeve  69 , the deck  9  is clamped to the floating body  2  and cross-beam  3 ′ under the action of the cover plate  71 . The plug-in base  66  is thereby secured in a stable manner and imparts high stability to the mast pushed onto it. In order to positionally secure the mast  42  axially, it is possible, as FIG. 15 shows, for a securing screw  72  which engages through the mast  42  and enters into a transverse thread in the plug-in base  66 . However, securing of the mast  42  in question to the plug-in base  66  can be effected in any other suitable manner, for example by means of a screw-on thread, bayonet fastening etc. 
     Corresponding plug-in bases  65 ,  66  may be used in order to secure the railing  73 .