EP2922746A2

EP2922746A2 - Device for marine exploration

Info

Publication number: EP2922746A2
Application number: EP13803172.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Guy BARON
Original assignee: Baron Cecile; Baron Georges-Henri; Baron Marie-Francoise; Baron Sophie
Current assignee: Baron Cecile; Baron Georges-Henri; Baron Marie-Francoise; Baron Sophie
Priority date: 2012-11-23
Filing date: 2013-11-25
Publication date: 2015-09-30
Also published as: AU2013349502A1; WO2014080148A3; AU2018201865A1; US20150284063A1; FR2998538B1; FR2998538A1; WO2014080148A2; US9975615B2; AU2018201865B2; CN104981399A

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the exploration of the ocean space, intended to be fixed to a boat, the exploration device comprising a support (T) that is able to receive one or more users in a lying position, a deployment means (C, H), said deployment means (C, H) making it possible to position the support (T) in a given position under the water (C1) such that, when the support (T) is in said given position under the water (C1), said one or more users can lie down on the support (T), being partially immersed, and fixing means for maintaining the support (T) in the given position under the water (C1).

Description

Marine exploration device

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a device for exploring the marine area to be fixed on a boat allowing the immersion on the surface of swimmers equipped with a means of breathing, comfort and autonomy.

STATE OF THE ART There are numerous marine vehicles for moving underwater at shallow depths using, to move to human propulsion (fins, propeller operated by a pedal system ...), to motorized propulsion (electric motors, combustion, ...) or towing.

Furthermore, to move under water to greater depth, it is known from the state of the art a nautical craft subject to a patent application FR 2 951 134. This device and its variations have for main features the following points:

When the watercraft is submerged, the submerged structure sinks for at least 1.5 meters, requiring the use of breathing equipment (scuba);

The out-of-water movement speed of the marine gear is limited to 12 knots;

The autonomy of the marine gear in submarine mode is limited by the need for breathing equipment (scuba);

Construction costs;

The size of the machine. It is also known from the state of the art a watercraft for exploration of the seabed subject of a patent application AU2007234478. This document relates to a pleasure craft comprising a submersible support and a mechanism for raising and lowering this support. This mechanism as described is a rotating arm system and the support can be immersed in water or emerged out of the water through the deployment of the rotating arms. This device, including the submersible support and the mechanism, is integrated into the boat. Such a device makes the boat quite bulky for its possible storage. In addition, such a nautical exploration craft must be equipped with the adapted exploration device integrated with it. In addition this boat is particularly suitable for diving with equipment bottle, gold this type of diving is not suitable for all and requires a long enough preparation for the user. There is therefore a need for systems for surface exploration, fins and snorkel also called snorkeling, for divers with little experience in particular.

The present invention therefore proposes to overcome certain disadvantages of the state of the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for exploring the marine space intended to be fixed on a boat, the exploration device comprising:

• a support that can accommodate one or more users lying down Deployment means, said deployment means for positioning the support in a specific position under water, such that when the support is in said determined position underwater said one or more users can lie on the support partially immersed (s)

• Fixing means for maintaining the support in the determined position of the water.

It will become apparent in the following that certain embodiments of the invention provide many advantages.

With such a device it will be possible to practice snorkeling without any training. In particular, it will be possible to explore the seabed for those who are prevented by medical reasons from diving deeply. Such a device also has the advantage of freeing the hands of the user to perform for example samples, take photographs or films. The use of such a device allows the diver to be protected from the sea depths by the support that carries it. The support is also driven by the boat to which it is attached. The user is trained and supported by the medium that serves as a means of locomotion. The device therefore does not require physical effort for a displacement at will in direction and speed. The non-deployment of the device will allow rapid navigation phases to go to places to explore for example and then its deployment will allow exploration phases of the underwater space in front and under the boat, especially in weak areas. depth, from the boat. In preferred embodiments of the marine space exploration device according to the invention, one or more of the following provisions may also be used:

it is fixed on a boat on partially immersed water and partially emerged, and when said exploration device is mounted on said boat on the water and when said support is in said determined position under water, said means of deployment is partially immersed and partially emerged, said support is at least partially immersed, and for which the device is therefore immersed a depth in said determined position under water, said depth of immersion being fixed by the geometric characteristics of the means deployment, the said depth being of the order of the dimension of the thickness of a human being.

the proximity of the boat provides an additional means of protection to the user vis - à - vis any predators encountered during the exploration. the deployment means makes it possible to move the support between a position out of the water and the position determined under water,

deployment is fast and easy.

the fixing means allow the support to be held in the determined position out of the water. - The deployment means is intended to be mounted port and starboard of the boat. said deployment means is intended to be mounted on the bow side of the boat. - Said deployment means comprises at least two bars, said bars being intended to be respectively disposed port and starboard of the boat, and ensuring the maintenance of the support in the determined position. the bars of the deployment means are connected by two transverse bars to form a closed frame.

the bars of the deployment means are connected by a transverse bar to form a U-shaped frame; the deployment means comprises a guiding system, said guiding system consisting of at least two bearings, or two bridges, intended to be disposed respectively to the port and starboard of the boat, allowing the deployment by rotation of the bars in the determined position under water.

- The support in the determined position is intended to be arranged under, in front or between the living works of the boat. the deployment means is intended to be mounted at least to port or starboard on the side faces of the boat and comprises at least two structures on the same side lateral of the boat respectively at the front and the rear of the boat, said structures constituting a frame on which is fixed the support in the determined position under water. each structure has four sections such that, when the boat is on the water, a first section is parallel to the surface of the boat and by which the structure is attached to said boat, a second section is perpendicular to the third section and of a length adapted so that the lower end is partially submerged, a third section is parallel to the surface of the water and immersed and is assembled to the support, and a fourth section is parallel to the second section and at least partially submerged. the support comprises at least one elongate float fixed between the second sections of the structures and comprises at least one elongated float fixed between the fourth sections of the structures. the structure is collapsible on itself, for which the deployment means comprises a guidance system, said structure being pivoted at the level of the guide system and then raised to a position along and parallel to the lateral face of the boat at height of the guide point of the structure. the fixing means are front and rear means and for which the front fixing means secures an anterior end of the support with the deployment means and the rear fixing means ensures the stabilization of the support in a plane substantially parallel to the surface of the water, when said one or more users is (are) lying on the support, being adapted to connect a rear end of the support located opposite the front end with a portion of the boat located between the front portion and the stern of the boat. the support comprises a flexible sheet sufficiently wide to accommodate an elongated user, such as a trampoline, a net or a technical fabric, the support optionally further comprising one or more stiffening slats.

it comprises at least two means of attachment to a boat, said means being spaced apart by a certain distance, and in which a dimension of the gap is adjustable.

- The support comprises a nacelle, said nacelle having a structure, said device being fixed on a boat, said boat having at least one side shell, said shell having an inner side facing the structure of the nacelle.

The access to the water in partial immersion and surface is immediate, the exploration device being deployed in a few seconds and not having much distance to travel from a position not immersed at its immersed position, it saves a lot of time to go down and up by shortening the distance to the water since always partial and surface immersion. - The means of deployment of the device is a means for performing a pivoting movement, said nacelle pivoting about an axis, said axis transfixing the rear end of the nacelle, said axis being attached tightly to the nacelle, said axis. being symmetrically and sealingly attached to the rear parts of the hulls of said boat, the deployment means comprising a guide system, said axis constituting said guide system. - The deployment means is a hoist, said hoist being connected to the center of the front beam, said hoist being adapted to allow to support the front part of the nacelle, the action on said hoist for lowering said front portion of the nacelle for positioning the nacelle in said determined position under water.

- The nacelle has flanges on its outer flanks, immobile relative to the body of the nacelle, said flanges being adapted to stabilize the nacelle in a determined position out of the water. the deployment means is used to move the support between a position out of the water and the position determined under water, the fixing means for maintaining the support in the determined position under water. it also includes one or other of the following provisions: a means of steering the boat to remote control the walk

a means for controlling the stop means for controlling the orientation of the machine, the control means being able to be mounted on a cardan or connected to the boat by a flexible cable, the boat is equipped with a emergency stop command

- his or her thrusters are equipped with a propeller protection.

In other preferred embodiments of the invention, it may optionally be used in addition to:

- A system comprising a semi-rigid boat and a device for exploring the marine space equipping this boat.

- A system comprising a pneumatic boat and a device for exploring the marine space equipping this boat.

- A system comprising a monohull boat and a device for exploring the marine space equipping this boat. A system comprising a catamaran and a device for exploring the marine space of this catamaran.

a system comprising a boat comprising a floating body and a device in which the device is assembled to the floating body. a system in which, in the position determined under water, the floating body and the support define a protection space.

a system in which another floating body of the boat or the deployment means define an additional boundary of the protection space.

- A boat adapted to receive a device for which the boat is motorized.

According to an auxiliary aspect concerning the device for exploring the marine space, which is independent of the deployable device, it is also proposed an ultralight kit, particularly advantageous for snorkeling, in a protected situation, but without requiring heavy craft from of which to deploy.

Indeed it is proposed a marine space exploration device comprising two floats, at least one structure (for example a front structure and a rear structure) said structure being adapted to maintain a constant gap between said two floats. The ultra-light kit comprises two portions of flexible assemblies each able to surround a respective float and the support, extending in a slightly immersed way between the two portions of assemblies. The entourage is for example made by threading. For example, said structures comprise at their ends hems, said hems being adapted so that said floats can be slid therein, and a support, said support also comprising hems on each side, said hems being adapted so that they can be slid into said hems. floats. The structure can for example support the propulsion unit (engine, propeller, tank ...).

According to such an arrangement, the ultra-light kit can be assembled and dismounted very quickly, for example to be easily transported in a car when it is disassembled.

Additional features of this first auxiliary aspect will be found later in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1: side view of a device for exploring the marine area attached to a monohull boat, according to an exemplary embodiment, with a support;

Figure 2: Front view of the support of Figure 1 in submerged position;

Figure 3: Side view of a marine space exploration device for a pneumatic monocoque boat (semi-rigid or not), according to an exemplary embodiment;

Figure 4: Side view of the support with vertical translation system fixed on a catamaran boat; Figure 5: Diagram illustrating the rigid remote control for boats;

Figure 6: Side view of a side exploration kit attached to a monohull boat; Figure 7: Front view of two side exploration kits attached to a monohull boat;

Figure 8: Top view of two side exploration kits attached to a monohull boat;

Figure 9: Front view of two side exploration kits attached to a watercraft;

Figure 10: Top view of an ultra light exploration kit;

Figure 11: Side view of a vehicle called "beluga", with the platform in low position;

Figure 12: Side view of the craft called "Beluga", with the platform in high position;

Figure 13: View from above of the craft called "Beluga", with the platform in low position;

Figure 13a, b, c: Cross sections of the view of Figure 13;

Figure 14: View from above of the craft called "Beluga", with the platform in high position;

Figure 14a, b, c: Cross sections of the view of Figure 14;

EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment, the invention proposes a device for exploring the marine area (immediately accessible, from 0 to 30 meters deep or more depending on visibility) to be fixed on a boat. The boat is for example motorized. Boat propellers must be equipped with propeller protection and an emergency stop command, accessible from the low submerged position. This device allows the surface immersion of users equipped with simple means (mask-snorkel or "snorkeling" according to the English name of this activity) for breathing in order to to allow the visual exploration of the marine area in a situation of comfort and autonomy. The device may allow the deeper immersion alternatively. Exploration of the surrounding marine area is complete and instantly accessible for, among others:

Aquatic or underwater hike;

Discovery baptism

Spearfishing;

Water ride for disabled or elderly users;

Scientific approach of surface aquatic fauna and flora;

Monitoring bathing areas (sharks, dangerous currents ...);

Observation and scientific samples;

Cinema;

Photography .

The device for exploring the marine space comprises a support T, deployment means for positioning the support T in a determined position under water, and fastening means b1, b2, Y, b, allowing the maintaining the support in said determined position under water. The position determined under the water is close to the bright works of the boat.

The boats on which the exploration device can be easily installed are generally small or medium boats with an electric or combustion engine, equipped with a propeller protection, and an emergency stop command. It can also be adaptable to large boats.

Said boats are brought according to their usual mode of use on the exploration sites, with the exploration device in a position out of the water. On the exploration site, the user deploys the device for exploring the marine area.

The exploration device allows a global view of the marine area in conditions of safety and comfort optimal for the users, in the respect of the marine environment. It makes it possible to easily accommodate one or more passengers, making it possible to snorkel the marine space while lying on the support T on the surface of the water, ahead, under, between, or on the sides of the lively works of the boat.

The water exploration device has an installation on the boat and an easy and fast uninstallation. Any suitable means can be provided for fixing the exploration device in a simple and reversible manner to an existing boat, in particular by clipping. The scanning device comprises a support T and a deployment means C, H light, removable and transportable.

The deployment means C, H thus makes it possible to go from the configuration for rapid non-snorkeling navigation of the craft on which the device is fixed to the deployed configuration for snorkeling of said boat.

The device is intended to be fixed on a boat on partially immersed water and partially emerged. When said exploration device is mounted on said boat on the water and when said support T is in said determined position under water Ci, said deployment means C, H is partially immersed and partially emerged, said support T is at less partially immersed, and the device is therefore immersed with a depth P in said determined position under water Ci, said immersion depth P being fixed by the geometric characteristics of the deployment means C, H, the said depth P being of the order of the dimension of the thickness of a human being.

A possible embodiment of the device for exploring the marine space is shown in Figure 1 in a deployment configuration, in front and under the live works of a boat, immersed situation.

In this embodiment of the invention, the support T may for example be a trampoline-type tarpaulin structure and the user will be positioned on or above the support T. The support may be in particular an opaque tarpaulin which provides additional security for the user by avoiding that it can be seen from below by possible predators for example.

The immersed horizontal part of the frame where the support is fixed at the front is in front of the bright works to clear the trunk and the divers' heads of the live works of the boat; the legs can be along the live works, it provides greater security to prevent the diver to be hit by the hull. The front part of the diver's trunk is completely clear because of the positioning of the frame which is in front of the boat. The diver is near the boat but not completely under it.

The tarpaulin, the vivid works of the boat, and if necessary the structure together define a space of protection, of restricted volume, of the order of the volume of the user, in which the user can sneak, especially since front or back or on the sides.

In this embodiment, the deployment means C, H advantageously comprise a structure C, shown in FIG. 1, both in the deployed position, ie in the position determined under water Ci, and in a position out of the water C2 and a guide system H. This structure C can be realized, using two parallel bars arranged on the port and starboard side of the boat or using a frame. The structure C may advantageously be composite or metal. The structure C is advantageously designed as a frame whose shape may be rectangular as shown in Figure 2 or U-shaped.

The guidance system H of the deployment means may be, for example, consists of two bearings H fixed to the port and starboard of the boat, allowing the deployment of the exploration device by rotation, as shown in Figure 1. Advantageously these bearings H can be aluminum, coated with Teflon, nylon, or composite. In another embodiment, particularly suitable for boats with standard or semi-rigid pneumatic tubes, the guide system H can be attached to the boat by integrated arciform pads, adapting to the shape of the pneumatic tubes. In another embodiment, the guide system H of the deployment means may be, for example, consist of bridges instead or simply ligatures. The bridges allow great flexibility and adaptability to any type of boat, because they no longer require a horizontal plane (the deck of the boat) where to fix or be perfectly aligned. At the front of the boat, the front end of the support T is fixed between the two bars of the structure C located port and starboard of the boat, or advantageously, when the exploration device is made in the version of a frame, on the submerged crossbar connecting these two bars. In the version with frame, the fixing of the support T bow side is advantageously carried out on the horizontal part of the frame by a headline, or other simple fastening systems such as 1 'emmanchage, or the whitening (through eyelets of the support T) . In another embodiment, the deployment means C, H makes it possible to move the support T between a position outside the water C ₂ and the position determined under the water Ci, the fixing means b1, b2, Y, b, allowing the support T to be maintained in the position Ci.

Referring again to Figure 1, to stabilize the support T in the submerged position, the submerged end of the bar or the structure C, can be connected to the boat via one or more ends bi, also connected to the boat. For example, their end is attached to one or more tabs ti located at the bow of the boat. The rear end Y of the support may be stiffened by a batten on its trailing edge Y and be held by ends b ₂ fixed to the rear of the boat, for example to the cleats t ₂ - When the bearing H is equipped with locking means, acting as attachment means, the end bi is entirely optional. In order to allow the support T to be deployed on both sides of the live works of the boat, the frame C pivots around the bearings H fixed on the front deck of the boat. The locking means of the bearing H make it possible to define the two positions. They may be optional.

Figure 2 is a view of the bow of a monohull boat of Figure 1, with the exploration device immersed situation in a realization of deployment under the vivid works of a boat as previously described. The deployment means are composed of the guide system H and the structure C in the embodiment with a frame and are stabilized by one or more ends i. The guide system H may be composed of bridges, ligatures, bearings, clips.

When the support T unfolds under the boat, the user can position himself on the or above the support T and is in a position advantageously protected, below by the support and above by the proximity of the boat. It is partially submerged and can snorkel.

Another embodiment, adapted to flat-bottomed boats, such as for example a dinghy, is shown in FIG. 3. For this type of boat, the support T is deployed entirely beneath and in front of the live works of the boat. When the boat has pneumatic tubes B, the guide system H is preferably attached to the boat with arciform pads.

In another embodiment, the bars or frames C of the deployment system are adjustable by an adjustable sleeve system.

In another embodiment, the exploration device is fixed on a catamaran with pneumatic hulls or composite. In this embodiment, the deployment means C, H of the catamaran are for example the same as for a monohull. However, they are fixed for example on the front link beam of the catamaran and the rear attachment of the support is achieved through tips that attach to each hull at the rear of the boat cleats. The support T can be attached to its frame by a rope, a sleeve or a whipping.

If the device is attached to bearings or jumpers, there will be a possible rotation for its deployment; depending on the initial out-of-water position of the device, it will rotate from 45 to 270 degrees. It is not deployed vertically but 45 degrees forward. The rotation is aided and fixed by a pulley and cleat system allowing the quasi-instantaneous passage of a high position of the support to a submerged position, as well as the maintenance of the support in a stable submerged position. In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the frame of the trampoline support T may be immersed by a translation, for example vertical, of the frame of the trampoline with respect to the boat, supported by the transverse front beam of structure PL. The translation is structurally guaranteed to a defined low depth. An embodiment with more than two structural transverse beams is also conceivable.

In another embodiment, the device can be installed between the two floats of a catamaran.

In another embodiment, the device can replace the trampoline of the multihull.

A remote control system can be installed, to allow the steering of the boat from the deployed device in submerged position. The remote controls of the engine M, electric or combustion, are obtained by rods mounted on gimbals, and ensure the start / stop and acceleration by rotation, the direction is provided by traction and drive. For safety, a safety zipper for the emergency stop can be provided, as well as a propeller protection on the thruster (s) of the boat.

The extension of the control system (FIG. 5) allows the piloting of the motorized boat to continue in the exploration position, making the user (s) perfectly autonomous. Advantageously, the extension of the control system consists of a steering control A and an acceleration and stop control B. In one embodiment, the extension of the control system comprises, inter alia, a connection between the engine handle and remote control achieved through an attachment screwed X, a distal handle m, an intermediate handle m 'and a cardan k. The handle m 'therefore occupies an intermediate position on the rod. The two handles m and m 'allow the diver to be able to drive several levels, in the extended position for example at the front of the support T with the handle m, or from a sitting position, from a more central position, or back on the boat with the handle m '.

In another embodiment, electric remote controls (not shown) with flexible cables, for 2 electric motors ensure the walking, stopping and direction of 1 boat.

In another embodiment, the boat may be equipped with seats, fixed on the rear beam of the structure of a multihull boat.

The engine M serves to advance the boat. Advantageously, the deployment of the marine exploration device can be provided by an engine M if the device is made for large boats, so for a much heavier device.

In another possible embodiment of the device for exploring the marine space shown in FIG. 6, the device is a lateral exploration kit. The deployment takes place on the sides of the live works of a boat.

Said kit, intended to be fixed on a boat, comprises a support T, deployment means C, H for positioning the support T in a predetermined position under the water Ci, and fastening means for maintaining the support The support T may be, for example, a flexible sheet sufficiently wide to accommodate an elongate occupant, for example a trampoline, a net or a technical fabric, the support T optionally comprising also one or more stiffening slats.

The device is attached laterally to the boat, which may be a monohull boat (FIGS. 6, 7, 8) or to a watercraft (FIGS. unilateral (Figure 6) or bilateral (Figure 7, 8, 9). It allows a user to lie on the support T to observe the seabed.

Considering that the support T extends here outward from the sides of the boat, all the variants on the support T, the guide system H, and the fastening systems bl, b2, Y, b of the previous embodiment can be repeated here. We will also be able to take up the variants on the way of fixing the support T by means of deployment C, H and deployment means C, H to the boat.

The deployment means C, H advantageously comprises two rigid structures, for example metal structures, C side faces of the boat and a guide system H. On each side face, there is a metal structure positioned towards the front of the boat. boat, and a metal structure positioned towards the rear of the boat. Each metal structure C comprises for example four sections such that, when the boat is on the water, a first section is parallel to the surface of the boat and by which the metal structure is fixed to said boat, a second section is perpendicular to the third section and of a length adapted so that the lower end is partially immersed, a third section is parallel to the surface of the water and immersed and a fourth section is parallel to the second section and at least partially immersed . The first section of the metal structure is for example connected to the guide system H of the deployment means C, H, said guide system H being attached to one boat.

The structure C is for example foldable on itself. Once the exploration is complete, it can be folded and rotated along the boat so as not to hinder the rapid movement of the boat. The second section, perpendicular to the third section, and the third section, parallel to the surface of the water and immersed, of the structure C fold over each other along an axis perpendicular to the surface of the water, on the lateral face of the boat, so as to form a folded structure. The folded structure can then pivot at the level of the guide system at the level of the boat, and move from a vertical position to a horizontal position parallel to the surface of the boat and along the gunwale, so as not to hinder the rapid movement of the boat.

The said metal structures C constitute a frame on which the support T is fixed. The structures C can be made of aluminum or stainless steel. The support T is where the user lies. Two elongated floats f are fixed on each side of the support T. They allow to maintain the user on the support in order to avoid a lateral displacement thereof and they ensure the system a better stability.

Fixing the metal structure C to the boat can be achieved in several ways.

For a monohull boat, the structure C can be maintained by a sleeve fixed to the freeboard of the boat. The structure C may have a perpendicular extension which penetrates the freeboard of the boat. In this case, nuts and a pin can be used for its attachment for example. Finally the structure C can be fixed by a bearing H, bridges or ligatures (Figures 6, 7, 8). Two front and rear bearings H can be permanently placed on the boat. For inflatable boats (Figure 9), the H bearing or the trigger guard is attached to an arciform pad. This pad is placed directly on the pneumatic coil of the boat (Figure 9).

The support is maintained in the position determined under water by the fixing means bl, b2, Y, b, which may for example be similar to those of the previous variant. Advantageously the front and rear C structures are attached to the boat also by bits b to allow greater stability of the kit. The ends b can be attached to tabs t. In this way said frame thus ensures the maintenance of the support T in the determined position under the water Ci.

In another embodiment, the first deployment means C, H makes it possible to move the support T between a position outside the water C2 and the position determined under the water Ci, the fixing means b1, b2, Y, b, allowing the support T to be held in the position in the water Ci.

In another embodiment, the device attaches to two inflatable floats (Figure 10). The machine thus formed is ultra-light, mountable and removable quickly. If necessary, it is collapsible. It can very easily be transported in a car when disassembled.

The boat has two floats f2 which inflate for example through a manual or electric air pump. In another embodiment, the floats may be composites or rotomoulded.

Said device comprises two structures C: a front structure F and a rear structure Co, said front and rear structures being sufficiently rigid to maintain a constant gap between said two floats of said boat. Said structures C comprise hemlets at their ends, said hems being adapted so that said floats can be slid therein. The hems rub sufficiently on the floats in use to ensure stability of the floats. Other means of fixing the hems on the floats can also be added in order to guarantee this stability.

The support T where the user is lying down also includes hemming on each side, said hems being adapted so that said floats can be slid therein.

Both front and rear C structures are made of composites or aluminum. The structure Co is rigid enough to support the engine. It is also the container where the batteries of the electric motor are located. It should be noted that the structure Co is elevated relative to the support T, which allows a user to pass his fins between the structure Co and the support T (Figure 10).

The front structure C comprises a submerged central portion.

As in the previous variants, a remote control system can be implemented to allow driving in the extended position and all the previous variants of these control modes can be used for this variant and the following.

In a variant of the invention, represented by FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14, the underwater exploration device fixed on a boat is a so-called "beluga" craft which is a fast surface exploration craft, instantly convertible into exploration gear of the immediate underwater space.

The device comprises a n-boat attached to a boat. The pivoting pod N constitutes the support T of said device. The axis H is a support and rotation axis transfixing the rear part of the nacelle N. The nacelle N pivots about this axis H. This pivoting movement makes it possible to move from the high position of the nacelle PH (FIG. 12). at the low position of the nacelle PB (Figure 11). In the low position PB of the nacelle, the front part of the n-boat is immersed, enough to put the user in the underwater exploration position, equipped simply with a mask and a snorkel. The user is for example lying on the n-pod. Thus the user has access visually and directly to everything the underwater space in front and under it. In the high position PH of the n-boat, the user is for example in a sitting position on the seat S of the n-boat, and the movement of the machine may be faster to go to the site of exploration.

The low position PB thus corresponds to the position determined under the water Ci and the high position PH therefore corresponds to the determined position out of the water C ₂ .

In both high and low positions, the user remains in control of propulsion and steering commands. The remote controls can be provided by push-pull system for steering as well as for engaging the gears and accelerator. The controls are the same regardless of the navigation phase, for the user out of the water or in the surface water, with mask and snorkel. This gives a total functionality of the machine, which allows the user to move quickly out of the water, to go underwater observation instantly, by lowering the front part of the n-pod. N may for example be provided with a handlebar D. The handlebars allow the user to hold, for example as to activate the controls and maintain the direction. In the low position PB the seat S of the n-boat and the handlebar D are for example immersed.

The vehicle is propelled either by an outboard motor M propulsive explosion, or by an electric motor.

The boat on which the device is fixed comprises hulls K, the hulls K having internal flanks and external flanks. The nacelle N is for example fixed between the hulls K of the boat and thus pivots on its rear axle, its front part immersing itself. The structure of the nacelle N is for example in contact with the inner flanks of the hulls K. The boat comprises for example two hulls K and the nacelle N is fixed between these two shells K.

The n-boat N fixed between the two hulls K is always in contact with the water whether it is in the high position PH or low PB. When it is in the high PH position, it forms with the set of two lateral K hulls a monohull hull in gull wing. The time to go down and up the device is reduced by shortening the distance to the water. Thus, almost instantaneously, the position of the pilot is modified to visualize the marine space.

The nacelle N will participate in the buoyancy of the boat comprising the two lateral hulls K.

The hulls K of the boat as well as the structure of the n-boat, which is in contact with the inner sides of the hulls K, may consist for example of composites (polyester, epoxy, glass fiber or carbon or Kevlar) or be made from rotomouldings. The weight of the machine according to the materials can approximately oscillate between 90 to 120 kilograms without the propulsion engine.

The boat also comprises two transverse beams of structure P which make it possible to ensure the connection and the maintenance of the hulls K (FIGS. 13 and 14).

Advantageously, the mechanism of the movement of the nacelle N is simple. This is articulated on a transverse axis H transfixing the rear end of the nacelle N. This axis can be fixed symmetrically on the rear parts of the inner flanks of the shells K.

The nacelle N is fixed in a sealed manner to each shell K, via a sealed connection between the axis transfixiant H and the nacelle N, and possibly a tight connection between the axis H and each shell K if the axis H passes through the structure of each hull K.

Several technical modalities can however be envisaged to avoid piercing the hulls K and thus to make them possibly vulnerable in their buoyancy. The axis H can for example be supported by the hulls K, moving it upwards until it is supported by the gunwale of the hulls K. In this case, the rear shape of the pod N will be adapted to this solution, and may for example be raised to allow high attachment of this axis. It is also possible to fix the transfixing axis of the n-boat to the K-hulls by means of plates that would be parallel to the internal flanks of the hulls K, themselves fixed on the gunwales K-edge. One could also for example have a system clips, U-shaped returned which would be fixed on the shells K and on which the axis itself would be fixed. Other solutions for supporting the axis transfixiant H to avoid piercing the shells are conceivable but will not be described here. Thus the front part of the nacelle can tilt down and be submerged, about 40 centimeters, allowing the user's good positioning for its underwater observation.

The device comprises, in addition to the n-boat, deployment means C, H and fastening means b1, b2, Y, b. The front part of the nacelle is supported by a hoist C. Said hoist C provides the connection between the front part of the nacelle and the beam P connecting before the hulls of the machine. The guidance system H is the transfixing axis in this embodiment. These two elements constitute the deployment means C, H of the device in this variant. It is the action on the hoist C which will either go up the front part of the n-pod, let it go down by its own weight and stabilize at the chosen depth, about 40 centimeters from the surface.

A fixing means b1, b2, Y, b, of the n-pod N in the low position PB is provided in order to prevent relative movement of the n-boat with respect to the boat and thus improve the stability of the machine. The fastening means may be made for example by a tubular spacer fixed to the front part of the nacelle and to the structural beam, the attachment of which could be adjusted so as to be able to vary the depth of the nacelle N. In this variant the low position PB can correspond to the position determined in the water Ci and the high position PH can correspond to the determined position out of the water c ₂ .

Advantageously, the first deployment means C, H also makes it possible to move the support T between the position outside the water C2 and the position determined under the water Ci, the fixing means b1, b2, Y, b, allowing the maintenance of the support T in the position out of the water C2.

It is desirable that the weight of the n-boat is neutral, ie the n-boat can not sink or float completely. This is achievable for example by adding polystyrene in the nacelle's own structure. On the other hand, the front part of the platform has a V shape to attack the waves at best. It also has flanges on its sides which are an integral part of the nacelle and are against the inner flanks of the hulls K. This serves on the one hand to maintain more stable N pod in high position PH, but also to avoid splashing.

The nacelle comprises for example a seat S.

The machine as described in Figures 11, 12, 13 and 14 is provided for a user. However, it is possible to expand the n-pod so that other users can stick to it as well. The machine is therefore intended for one or more users depending on its width. The device can be easily mounted on the boat by assembling thereto, on each side, the axis and then linking the front part of the n platform N to hoist C.

Claims

A device for exploring space n intended to be fixed on a boat, exploration device comprising: a support (T) capable of receiving one or more users in a lying position, deployment means (C, H), said means deployment (C, H) making it possible to position the support (T) in a determined position underwater (Ci), such that when the support (T) is in said determined position underwater (Ci) said or said several users can lie down on the support (T) while being partially submerged (s)

• fixing means allowing the support (T) to be maintained in the determined position underwater (Ci).

2. Device according to claim 1 intended to be fixed on a boat on the water partially submerged and partially emerged, for which when said exploration device is mounted on said boat on the water and when said support (T) is in said position determined underwater (Ci), said deployment means (C, H) is partially submerged and partially emerged, said support (T) is at least partially submerged, and for which the device is therefore immersed to a depth (P) in said determined position under water (Ci), said immersion depth (P) being fixed by the geometric characteristics of the deployment means (C, H), said depth (P) being of the order of the dimension of the thickness of a human being.

Device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in which the deployment means (C, H) makes it possible to move the support (T) between a position out of the water (C ₂ ) and the position determined under the water (Ci),

Device according to claim 3 in which the fixing means allow the support (T) to be maintained in the determined position outside the water (C ₂ ).

Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, for which the deployment means (C, H) is intended to be mounted on the port and starboard sides of the boat.

Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, for which said deployment means (C, H) is intended to be mounted on the bow side of the boat.

Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, for which said deployment means (C, H) comprises at least two bars (C), said bars being intended to be arranged respectively on the port side and on the starboard side of the boat, and ensuring that the support (T) is maintained in the determined position (Ci).

8. Device according to claim 7, in which the bars (C) of the deployment means (C, H) are linked by two transverse bars to form a closed frame.

9. Device according to claim 7, in which the bars (C) of the deployment means (C, H) are linked by a transverse bar to form a U-shaped frame.

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for which the deployment means (C, H) comprises a guiding system (H), said guiding system being constituted by at least two bearings (H), or two bridges, intended to be arranged respectively on the port and starboard sides of the boat, allowing deployment by rotation of the bars (C) in the determined position underwater (Ci).

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, for which the support (T) in the determined position (Ci) is intended to be arranged under, in front of or between the living structures of the boat.

12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, for which the deployment means (C, H) is intended to be mounted at least either on the port side or on the starboard side on the side faces of the boat and comprises at least two structures (C) located on the same face side of the boat respectively at the front and at the rear of the boat, said structures constituting a frame on which the support (T) is fixed in the determined position underwater (Ci).

13. Device according to claim 12 for which each structure (C) comprises four sections such that, when the boat is on the water, a first section is parallel to the surface of the boat and by which the structure is fixed to said boat, a second section is perpendicular to the third section and of a length adapted so that the lower end is partially submerged, a third section is parallel to the surface of the water and submerged and is assembled to the support, and a fourth section is parallel to the second section and at least partially submerged.

14. Device according to any one of claims 12 to 13, for which the support (T) comprises at least one elongated float fixed between the second sections of the structures (C) and comprises at least one elongated float fixed between the fourth sections of the structures (C).

15. Device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, for which the structure (C) is foldable on itself, for which the deployment means (C, H) comprises a guiding system (H), said structure (C) being pivoted at the level of the guide system (H) then raised to a position along and parallel to the face side of the boat at the height of the guide point (H) of the structure (C).

16. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, for which the fixing means are front and rear means (Y; bi; b2; b) and for which the fixing means (Y; bi; b2; b ) front secures a front end of the support (T) with the deployment means (C,H) and the rear fixing means (Y; bl; b2; b) ensures the stabilization of the support (T) in a plane substantially parallel to the surface of the water, when said one or more users is (are) lying on the support (T), being adapted to connect a rear end of the support (T) located opposite the end anterior with a part of the boat located between the front part and the stern of the boat.

17. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, in which the support (T) comprises a flexible sheet sufficiently extended to receive a lying user, such as a trampoline, a net or a technical fabric, the support (T) optionally further comprising one or more stiffening slats.

18. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising at least two means for attaching to a boat, said means being spaced a certain distance apart, and in which a dimension of the distance is adjustable.

19. A system comprising a semi-rigid boat and a space exploration device sailor according to one of claims 1 to 18 equipping this boat.

20. A system comprising an inflatable boat and a marine space exploration device according to one of claims 1 to

18 equipping this boat.

21. A system comprising a monohull boat and a marine space exploration device according to one of claims 1 to 18 equipping this boat.

22. A system comprising a catamaran and a marine space exploration device according to one of claims 1 to 18 equipping this catamaran.

23. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, for which the support (T) comprises a nacelle (N), said nacelle (N) having a structure, said device being fixed on a boat, said boat comprising at least a side hull (K), said hull (K) having an internal side facing the structure of the nacelle (N).

24. Device according to claim 23, for which the deployment means (C, H) of the device is a means for carrying out a pivoting movement, said nacelle (N) pivoting around an axis (H), said axis (H ) transfixing the rear end of the nacelle (N), said axis (H) being fixed in a watertight manner to the nacelle (N), said axis (H) being fixed symmetrically and in a watertight manner on the rear parts of the hulls (K) of said boat, the deployment means (C, H) comprising a guiding system, said axis (H) constituting said guiding system.

25. Device according to any one of claims 23 to 24 for which the deployment means (C, H) is a hoist (C), said hoist (C) being connected to the center of the front beam (P), said hoist (C) being adapted to support the front part of the nacelle (N), the action on said hoist (C) making it possible to lower said front part of the nacelle (N) to position the nacelle (N) in said determined position underwater (Ci).

26. Device according to any one of claims 23 to 25 for which the nacelle (N) has edges on its external sides, immobile relative to the body of the nacelle, said edges being adapted to stabilize the nacelle (N) in position determined out of water (C ₂ ) ·

27. Device according to any one of claims 23 to 26, in which the deployment means (C, H) makes it possible to move the support (T) between a position out of the water (C ₂ ) and the position determined under water (Ci), the fixing means allowing the support (T) to be maintained in the determined position under water (Ci).

28. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or 23 to 27, further comprising one or other of the following provisions: a means of controlling the boat making it possible to remotely control the operation (B) a means of controlling the stopping (B) a means of controlling the orientation of the machine (A), the control means ( A; B) which can be mounted on a gimbal (k) or connected to the boat by a flexible cable, the boat is equipped with an emergency stop control, its thruster(s) are equipped with emergency protection helix.

System comprising a boat comprising a floating body and a device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or 23 to 28 in which the device is assembled to the floating body.

System according to claim 29, in which, in the determined position underwater, the floating body and the support define a protective space.

System according to claim 30, in which another floating body of the boat or the deployment means define an additional boundary of the protection space. Boat adapted to receive a device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or 23 to 28 for which the boat is motorized.