Hand-held underwater distance measurement device

Abstract

A hand-held underwater distance measurement device has a first end having a waterproof housing which houses a digital display and a suitable electronics package, a second end housing a transceiver, a middle section having a pair of rectangular telescoping rigid tubes with a spring lock clip for fixing the relative locations of the tubes at two or more locations via the provision of holes in each of the tubes, and a flexible conductor for coupling the transceiver and the electronics package. The upper of the pair of telescoping rigid tubes is mechanically coupled to the waterproof housing, while the lower of the pair is coupled to the transceiver, which in one embodiment is rotatable relative to the lower tube to permit horizontal scanning. In using the device, the transceiver is immersed at least six inches below the water surface while grasping the device by a hand grip located just below the electronics package housing. If length adjustment is required, the spring lock clip securing the telescoping tubes is released by momentarily depressing the pins of the clip. The lower tube is then slid into or out of the upper tube until the clip pins engage other holes in the upper tube, at which time the lower telescoping tube will lock itself relative to the upper tube. If additional adjustment is required, the procedure is repeated until the desired length is obtained. Then, distance measurements may be obtained.