GB2370673A

GB2370673A - Indicator for near surface underwater activities

Info

Publication number: GB2370673A
Application number: GB0029822A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Douglas Boyd Buchanan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-12-07
Filing date: 2000-12-07
Publication date: 2002-07-03
Also published as: GB0029822D0

Abstract

An indicator 10 for use in near surface underwater activities, the indicator being arranged for attachment to underwater breathing apparatus. The indicator is large enough to be seen at a substantial distance but not so large that the forces generated during swimming will dislodge the attachment to the breathing apparatus. The breathing apparatus may be a snorkel. The indicator may be in the form of a triangular flag approximately 7.5 cm by 4.5 cm made of neoprene material and coloured bright pink for easy visibility.

Description

INDICATOR FOR NEAR SURFACE UNDERWATER ACTIVITIES

This invention relates to an indicator for near surface underwater activities. In this specification the term near surface underwater activities refers to activities carried out by a person whilst submerged but sufficiently close to the surface of the water so as to allow the use of a breathing tube apparatus, for example, snorkel apparatus. This is in contrast to being submerged to such depths as to preclude the use of snorkel apparatus. Existing indicators merely comprise a piece of coloured tape wrapped tightly around the snorkel. There is a need for a more distinctive indicator to point out the position or presence of a person engaged in underwater activities using a snorkel.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a combination comprising a snorkel and an indicator, the indicator having a flag portion.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an indicator for use in near surface underwater activities, the indicator being arranged for attachment to underwater breathing apparatus wherein the indicator is of such a size as to be visible at a substantial distance but wherein the size of the indicator is not sufficiently great as to disrupt the attachment to the underwater breathing apparatus.

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is illustrative of the indicator of the invention being visible in the water at a substantial distance from a shoreline.

Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view of an indicator in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3 is illustrative of the indicator of the invention in use on a snorkel by a submerged person.

Figure 4 is illustrative of the indicator of the invention being visible in the water at a substantial distance from a speedboat.

As shown in figure 1 an essential element of the present invention is the fact that the indicator 10 is of sufficient size as to be visible in the water to the naked eye from a substantial distance, for example 200 metres (approx. 220 yds. ) from a shore line, or from a speedboat as illustrated in figure 4. Typically such speedboats are used to tow water skiers. The indicator 10 is shown in more detail in figure 2 and is seen to comprise a flag portion 11. Flag portion 11 may be of roughly rounded triangular shape. The indicator 10 which is made of a rubber or plastic elastomer material, for example, Neoprene is knife cut to shape which gives a better definition than merely cutting by scissors. The indicator 10 further comprises a tubular sleeve 12 which is made by forming a elastomer material back on itself and stitching along stitch line 13. Being of elasticated material enables the tubular sleeve 12 to be fitted securely to various sizes of snorkel 14. In practise it has been found that the stitching along line 13 compresses the elastomer material

and actually makes it easier for the flag portion 11 to bend about stitch line 13. This makes it easier for flag portion 11 to flap about in use. A main problem in determining the dimensions of the size of the flag portion 11 is firstly that it must be large enough to be clearly visible in the water by the naked eye, that is, without benefit of binoculars or some such equipment, from a substantial or considerable distance, say 200 metres (approx. 220 yds. ) from a distant object. On the other hand, however, the drag forces imposed on the surface area of flag portion 11 by air or water resistance must not be so great that disproportionate forces are transmitted to the snorkel 14. As best seen from figure 3 if disproportionate forces are transmitted to the snorkel 14 these can result in discomfort for the user or even render retention of the snorkel in the mouth impossible. Thus the dimensions of flag portion 11 must be small enough to prevent this happening. The balancing act between being large enough to be seen at a substantial distance and yet small enough so that disproportionate forces are not imposed on the snorkel can only be determined by trial and error experimentation.. In the case of the present invention experimentation shows that a flag portion 11 some 4.5 cms deep and 7.5 cms long

(amounting approximately to 25 sq cms) and with a tubular sleeve 12 having diameter of approximately 1. 5 cms can accommodate the forces generated by a person swimming submerged at approximately 2 to 3 mph. The indicator 10 may be of any chosen colour but it has been found that a fluorescent day-glo colour adds to the distinctiveness of the indicator/snorkel combination. The above dimensions will also allow for identifying logos to be imprinted on the flag portion 11 in contrasting colours to increase distinctiveness.

In figure 3 there is shown an indicator 10 having a flag portion 11 in accordance with the invention in combination with a snorkel 14 being used by a swimmer under the waterline 15. Not only does this render the swimmer more clearly visible from a distant shoreline it also renders the swimmer more clearly visible to speed boats towing water skiers at speeds of up to 30 knots whose attention is more directed to the skiers that they are towing and not to snorkel users who may be in the surrounding area.

Claims

1. An indicator for use in near surface underwater activities, the indicator being arranged for attachment to underwater breathing apparatus wherein the indicator is of such a size as to be visible at a substantial distance but wherein the size of the indicator is not sufficiently great as to disrupt the attachment to the underwater breathing apparatus.

2. An indicator according to claim 1 wherein the indicator has an area of approximately 25 sq cms.

3. An indicator according to claim 1 wherein the indicator is a flag approximately 7.5 cms long by 4.5 cms deep.

4. An indicator according to claim 1 wherein the indicator is a flag of approximately triangular shape.

5. An indicator according to-claim 1 wherein the indicator includes a tubular portion for attaching the indicator to the tube forming part of snorkel apparatus.

6. An indicator according to claim 5 wherein the tubular portion is formed by a stitch line.

7. An indicator according to claim 1 wherein the indicator is made from material selected from the group, rubber or plastic elastomer or elasticated material.

8. An indicator according to claim 6 and claim 7 wherein the indicator is a flag and the stitch line compresses the elasticated material forming a bend line facilitating the flapping of the flag during use.

9. An indicator according to claim 1 wherein the indicator is knife cut to shape.

10. An indicator according to claim 1 wherein the attachment can sustain forces generated by a person swimming submerged at speeds between 2 and 3 mph.

11. An indicator according to claim 1 comprising a flag of fluorescent pink colour.

12. An indicator according to claim 1 wherein the indicator is visible at a distance of approximately 200 metres.

13. An indicator substantially as described herein with reference to each of figures 1 2,3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.