Optically Transparent Floating Dock

Abstract

The transparent floating dock acts as a diving mask, allowing for those using the dock to view fish and aquatic life below. The floating dock includes a floating section comprised of a bottom, top, and one or more sides. The bottom and top are constructed of a material that is transparent to visible light. Such a material may be polycarbonate, glass, or other clear material. When in use the bottom of the floating section is in contact with water, allowing those above to see through the floating section and into the water.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for supporting weight over water, the apparatus allowing light to pass through, the apparatus comprising:
 a. a floating section;
 i. the floating section including:
 1. a bottom; 
 2. a top; and 
 3. one or more sides; 
 
 ii. the bottom and top constructed of a material that is transparent to visible light; 
   b. whereby when the bottom of the floating section is in contact with water, a user can see through the floating section, into the water.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more sides are constructed of a non-transparent material, thus allowing the user to see the floating section and avoid stepping into the water. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more sides are constructed of a transparent material, thus making the floating section nearly invisible, allowing the user to feel as though he is walking on the water. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a. removable protective decking for placement over the top;
 i. the removable protective decking providing an optional protective layer over the top to prevent damage to the top from foot traffic. 
 
 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a. one or more hinged covers that provide access to the floating section, and allow the user to see directly through the bottom. 
 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a. one or more attachment points   b. the one or more attachment points to fix the floating section to additional floating sections, creating a dock assembly.   
     
     
         7 . A device that allows for enjoyment of aquatic life, the device for use on a body of water, the device comprising:
 a. a floating dock;
 i. the floating dock having a lower section that, when in use, contacts the body of water; 
   b. the lower section constructed of:
 i. an optically transparent material; 
   c. whereby aquatic life is visible through the floating dock.   
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a. an upper section;
 i. the upper section including removable protective decking; 
   b. mooring rails;
 i. the mooring rails preventing contact between boats and the lower section; and 
 ii. the mooring rails supporting the upper section; 
   c. whereby the removable protective decking can be lifted away to allow a user to directly view the body of water beneath through the lower section.   
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a. an optically transparent top
 i. the optically transparent top located below the removable protective decking and above the lower section; 
 ii. the optically transparent top being separate from the lower section. 
   
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the lower section includes portions of non-transparent material, thereby allowing users to visually locate the bounds of the lower section during use. 
     
     
         11 . A dock for use on a body of water that allows a user to see beneath the dock, the dock comprising:
 a. a top and a bottom;
 i. the top and the bottom separated by an airspace; 
 ii. the airspace maintained by one or more sides that prevent the top and bottom from touching; 
   b. whereby when the dock is placed on the water, the bottom touches the water, and the user can see through the dock much as he would look through a swim mask.   
     
     
         12 . The dock of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a. a removable upper protective decking to cover the top and minimize damage.   
     
     
         13 . The dock of  claim 12 , wherein the removable upper protective decking includes one or more finger lift locations for use removing the removable upper protective decking. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more sides are constructed of a non-transparent material, thus allowing the user to see the floating section and avoid stepping into the water. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more sides are constructed of a transparent material, thus making the floating section nearly invisible, allowing the user to feel as though he is walking on the water.