GB2363111A - Self-winding underwater reel - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-winding underwater reel comprises a reel that rotates freely about an axle 8, a line 10 and a constant force spring 9 which can be used to rewind the line. The self-winding underwater reel may further comprise an oil-filled inner housing 11 which contains the spring, spring-loaded locking means 2 which lock the reel to prevent the cable being paid out. The self-winding underwater reel may be provided with a clip 7 at the end of the cable and a recess 13 in the handle which allow it to be secured to other objects. The self-winding underwater reel may also comprise a winding knob, which pivots about its base, for winding the reel in case of spring malfunction. The self-winding underwater reel may be constructed from metal, plastic or a combination thereof. In use, the self-winding underwater reel may be used by a diver as a guide back to the shot line, to tow a surface marker buoy or, when exploring a cave, wreck or diving under ice, as a lifeline.

Description

2363111 SELF WINDING UNDERWATER REEL This invention relates to a reel that

can be used to asisst underwater.

Reels serve many roles; the openwater diver can use one as a guide back to the shot line,they can be used during searches, to tow a surface marker buoy(SMB/float), or to send up a delayed SNM. For the diver exploring a cave, a wreck or diving under ice, they are quite litreally a lifeline.

Reels divide up into SNM reels suited to open water activities, and penetration reels developed specifically for line laying. Penetration reels can also be used for SNIB reels.

SMB reels tend to be larger, held like a gun and trigger.The gun grip provides a secure hand hold, if locked off can support the weight of a decompressing diver, he she can clip to the reel and relax, they are however difficult to use with a dive light held in the same hand. Reels avaiable are hand held and wound, this needs both hands (one to hold and one to wind) the idea of this invention is to free up both hands, for comfort, to hold items, to monitor their computers or to exchange breathing gas(regulators) and checking gas supplies.

The Reel is loaded with line or thin webbing, the free end conected to either a surface marker buoy or the start/finish reference point, as the diver ascends/decends, the reel pays out line or rewinds a constant force spring will maintain tension so the SMB will be nearly directly above the movements of the person underwater. For penetration reels with webbing the webbing can be marked for direction and distance, by mesurements indicated. A ratchet/trigger is attached to pause the winding with a saftey catch to lock off the reel when necessary.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which FIGURE I shows two veiws of how th reels would be used underwater.

FIGURE 2 shows an isometric veiw of two types of reel FIGURE 3 is an enlarged isometric veiw of the reels with areas cut out to show the inside working parts.

As shown in fig 1 the invention can be used as a device to help with an ascent/decent to a surface marker buoy(fig 1, 1) or as a distance/penetration line for exploring.

The device is basically a reel loaded with line (1 0,fig M2/3) that can move freely on a axle(8), both of these are attached to a handlelhand hold(l),fig 3 shows the same principals but in an enclosed case(12) to help stop line build up on one side and spill over on the axle where it can jam the reel, although some prefer monitoring the line themselves. The Iffle(5) is secured to the SMB. or reference point with the aid of a clip(7) as the line is unravelled, the first ten metres or the complete line being webbing that has depth/distance/direction markings(6) is feed through a choice of two slots/feeders, one for SMB's the other for penetration(on the bottom so the line unravels from the bottom of the reel behind you,as you hold it and then the whole reel can be turned upside down to be used as an SMB reel)(4). As the reel unravels or rewinds it is kept under constant tension by a coiled spring(9) that is secured at one end to the handle(l)and the other to the reel(I0). The spring is maintained in a oil filled housing(l 1) this helps prolong the springs life and keep it's movements free. When the line tension becomes slack the spring applies the tension again by winding it's self back in saying it from being wound by hand, this can be stopped by pushing forward the trigger (2) and locked with the safety (3), unlocking then enables a smaller spring(16)to return the trigger and allow the spring to start rewinding or unwinding. The reel can be secured by what ever means with the aid of a recess (13) or with the clip provided(15). As an extra safety precaution a hand winder (14) is fitted that pivots at it's base and mounted on the reel (10) itself, this can be hidden with the winding knob inserted on top of the axle(8) or pulled out and used if for any reason the spring fails to rewind.

Claims (7)

1. A reel that includes line that moves freely on a axle, for use underwater, that includes a constant force spring which maintains tension and can rewind the line

2. A reel as claimed in claim I with an inner and outer casing, the inner maintaining the spring and oil filled.

3. A reel as claimed in claim 2 where a spring loaded lock can be used to lock the reel and prevent more line being paid-out.

4. A reel as claimed in claim 3 where a handle incorporates a recess for securing and a clip on the end of the line also for securing.

5. A reel as claimed in claim 4 that includes a winding knob that pivots at its base and mounted on the reel for winding the axle encase of spring malfunction/ failure to rewind.

6. A reel as claimed in any proceeding claim which is made from Metal, plastic material or from a combination of these materials

7. A reel as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings..