GB2452758A

GB2452758A - Detachable reel handle

Info

Publication number: GB2452758A
Application number: GB0717934A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Mather
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-09-14
Filing date: 2007-09-14
Publication date: 2009-03-18
Also published as: GB0717934D0

Abstract

A removable handle for winding a cable reel comprises a handle that in use is secured to a cable reel and which may be extendable from a storage configuration to an in use configuration. The removable handle is especially suited for use with a reel adapted for use by a diver and may be fabricated from marine grade stainless steel [figure 8] or injection moulded plastic [figure P8].

Description

Page 1 Detachable Extendable SMB and wreck/cave Reel Handle

Description

Background of the Invention

In the sport and business of Scuba Diving, Divers often use reels for safety, these reels, holding up to 100 metres of line, can be used in two ways, I. As a means of laying a line into a wreck or cave. The diver would fix their line to a safe fixed point, which they will later return to. By releasing the handle on the reel, lay the line on entry and through out their dive through the wreck or cave. On their return they then start to reel in the line back to the point of origin, and out to safety.

2. As a delayed surface marker buoy (SMB) reel. In this case an SMB will be attached to an SMB Reel, by way of a length of line, generally 50 to 100 metres of line, that the diver uses to indicate to a boat on the surface the location of a diver and is on their way to the surface. The diver would deploy the SMB from the seabed or wreck at the end of their dive, and then use the reel to safely ascend to carry out if necessary a decompression stop and then perform their safety stop.

In Scuba diving any task performed underwater can be stressful; the problem with compact wreck / cave reel's and SMB reels is that they have a very small winding circle. This can cause the user/reel to temporarily lock up and sometimes unwind instead of wind up, increasing the amount of stress put on the diver. This in turn may cause the diver to panic, increase his or her breathing rate, leading to a rapid, out of control ascent and / or run out of air.

Statement of Invention

To combat this, the Detachable Extendable SMB / wreck and cave Reel Handle, is designed to fit most mid sized to compact reels, giving the diver a larger winding circle, and more control over the reel and so giving piece of mind.

The advantages of the design being extendable are that the diver can go about his/her dive with the handle safely and neatly locked away, and when ready to make their exit or ascent, unlock and extend the handle, to its open position, giving a larger winding circle, so removing any stress he or she may have had relating to small reel isues.

A Detachable Extendable SMB and wreck / cave Reel Handle, for attaching to a divers existing Surface Marker Buoy and wreck or cave Reel's, to make reeling out from confined space's and up from depth easier, safer and more comfortable.

Easier, in that the choice of settings on the mid sized reel' handle gives an increased distance from the centre of the reel to the turning handle, which then gives you a larger winding circle, giving a smoother operation thus preventing the reel locking up' and in cases (non ratchet type reels) back reeling, and lessening an attack of cramp of the hand whilst still at depth and causing the diver discomfort.

The Detachable Extendable SMB / wreck / cave Reel Handle, makes reeling up safer in the sense that due to the smoother reeling action, it reduces any reel related panic issues a diver might incur when reeling from depth or from an enclosed area. With this in mind the diver is less likely to have any reel related concerns that may otherwise cause them to panic, increasing his or her breathing rate, and run the risk of running out of air.

Comfortable, in that with either reel handle option, you can have the comfort of a larger reel (winding circle) on a mid sized or compact reel.

Page 2

Description

Relates to Drawing sheet 1 of 3 The Detachable Extendable SMB /wreck /cave Reel Handle, can be seen and explained graphically in the accompanying drawings.

A Detachable Extendable SMB wreck / cave Reel Handle comprises off: Two (2) pieces of marine grade sheet stainless steel (Bl & SI shown in fig's: I & 2 plan and fig's: 6 & 7 in isometric) folded in a fashion so that (SI) is able to slide inside of(B I). See fig: 3.

Where (BI) has the two (2) opposite sides down the length of the part folded upwards to an angle of 45 degree's, and two small folds at one end to act as retainers (RI & R2 shown in fig's:3 & 6). Part (BI) has two number holes cut out (BH1 & BH2) one on either side of(BI) starting at the base of the folds and down from the open end of(BI). This is to allow the fitting of locking tabs' (TI & T2 see fig: 6) by way of spot welding. Part (BI) also has eight (8) number 3mm holes (flu to fh8 shown in fig's 2 & 6) in the base, to enable fixing to the reel.

The Locking Tabs (TI & T2 in fig: 6) are made of spring steel and are welded in place to (BI indicated in fig: 6).

Part (SI see fig: 2) has two (2) opposite sides down the length of the part folded downwards to an angle of 45 degree's, so allowing (Si) to fit inside (Bi) shown in fig's:3 & 8. Part (SI) has a number of cut outs down the length of one side, (Cl to C5 fig: 2) 6mm in width and 3mm deep, spaced evenly at 18mm apart. These cut outs are to allow tab (Ti) to lock into (Ci) when not in use and (C2, C3, C4 & C5) are to give the diver varying degree's of handle length. (C6) located on the opposite side to (C5) is of the same dimension and is there for a safety purpose, as (T2) shall lock into (C6) and prevent the handle being removed totally whilst in use at depth.

The sliding part (SI) has a 7mm hole drilled out to enable the fitting of the handle, (Hi) see fig's: 2 & 7 (HI) consists of parts (phi fig: 4) a shoulder screw (ssi) a locking nut and washer (InI) see fig: 5.

Depress (TI) and slide (SI) out to obtain the desired length, Ease pressure to (Ti) to allow (TI) to spring into the cut out (C2, C3, C4 or C5) of(S1) so preventing any movement once the desired location has been reached. Page3

Description

Relates to Drawing sheet 2 of 3 Version 2 (Sheet 2 of 2) of the Detachable Extendable SMB /wreck /cave Reel Handle, can be seen and explained graphically in the accompanying drawings.

Version 2 of the Detachable Extendable SMB wreck / cave Reel Handle comprises off: Two (2) pieces of marine grade sheet stainless steel (v2Bl and v2Sl shown in fig: 1,2 in plan and fig: 3 in isometric) folded in a fashion so that (v2Sl fig: 2 plan) is able to slide inside of (v2Bl fig: 1) (see fig: 8. complete).

Where (v2Bl shown in isometric in fig: 3) has the two (2) opposite sides down the length of the part folded upwards to an angle of 45 degree's, and two small folds at one end to act as retainers (v2Rl & v2R2). Part (v2Bl) has two (2)number holes cut out (v2BHI & v2BH2) both on the same side and one at either end of(v2Bl) This is to allow the fitting of locking tabs' (v2Tl shown in fig:1 and fig: 7) by way of spot welding. Part (v2Bl) also has four (4) number 3mm holes (v2flul to v2fh4) in the base, to enable fixing to the reel.

The Locking Tabs (v2Tl see fig: 1, 7 & 8) is made of spring steel and is welded in place to lock the sliding part of the Detachable Extendable SMB wreck / cave Reel Handle, (v2S I fig: 2) in place both when and when not in use.

Part (v2S I fig: 2) has two (2) opposite sides down the length of the part folded downwards to an angle of 45 degree's, so allowing (v2Sl fig:2) to fit inside (v2Bl fig: 1). Part (v2Sl) has two (2) cut outs down the length of one side, (v2Cl to v2C2 fig: 2). (v2Cl) cut out is to allow tab (v2Tl) to lock the handle in the closed position when not in use, and (v2Cl) is in place to locate and lock, in position (v2T2) when the handle is in use. (see fig: 8) The sliding part (v2SI) has a 7mm hole drilled out to enable the fitting of the handle, (v2HI fig: 2). The handle consists parts (v2phl fig: 4) a shoulder screw (v2ssl) a locking nut and washer (v2lnl fig: 5).

Depress (v2Tl) and slide (v2S 1) out so (v2T2) locks into (v2C2) see fig: 8 for complete assembly. Page4

Description

Relates to Drawing sheet 3 of 3 Plastic version (Sheet 3 of 3) of the Detachable Exteridable SMB /wreck /cave Reel Handle, can be seen and explained graphically in the accompanying drawings.

These Plastic Versions of the Detachable Extendable SMB wreck / cave Reel Handle comprises off: Two (2) pieces of Injection moulded plastic fig: P1 the slider and P2 the base, in a fashion so that fig P1 is able to slide inside of fig: P2 (see fig: 8. complete).

Fig: P1 has a spring housing (SHI), a slot and a hole for the locking pin to be located, (LPSI & LPHI). See Fig's: P6 and P7 Also On (P1) there is a hole at the other end forth fitting of the rotating handle. Common to both versions of the Detachable Extendable SMB /wreck /cave Reel Handle. See Fig's: p4 and p5 The Base, Fig: 2. Has a number holes down one side to enable the locking pin to locate into giving varying degrees on length. (LPH 2 to 7).

Also Fig: P2 has a number of holes in the base, (PFH1 to 8) these are for fixing to the Reel.

Hole (PSI-Il) is for a stopping pin (PSP 1), when this pin is fitted, it is to prevent Fig: I being removed from Fig: 2 and from the reel by accident. See Fig: P3.

Fig: P8 shows complete unit.

Claims

Page 5 Claim 1. A Detachable, Extendable reel handle for use in Scuba diving.
2. The detachable reel handle, according to claim I, can be fixed to existing reels of varying sizes, by preference to the individual.
3. A Reel handle, according to claim I, which is extendable.