GB2463324A - Radar detectable inflatable surface marker buoy - Google Patents

Radar detectable inflatable surface marker buoy Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2463324A
GB2463324A GB0816863A GB0816863A GB2463324A GB 2463324 A GB2463324 A GB 2463324A GB 0816863 A GB0816863 A GB 0816863A GB 0816863 A GB0816863 A GB 0816863A GB 2463324 A GB2463324 A GB 2463324A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
radar
buoy
seeker
detectable
surface marker
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB0816863A
Other versions
GB0816863D0 (en
GB2463324B (en
Inventor
Alexander Vassallo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB0816863.5A priority Critical patent/GB2463324B/en
Publication of GB0816863D0 publication Critical patent/GB0816863D0/en
Publication of GB2463324A publication Critical patent/GB2463324A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2463324B publication Critical patent/GB2463324B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/02—Divers' equipment
    • B63C11/26—Communication means, e.g. means for signalling the presence of divers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B22/00—Buoys
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/02—Divers' equipment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/0005—Life-saving in water by means of alarm devices for persons falling into the water, e.g. by signalling, by controlling the propulsion or manoeuvring means of the boat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/21—Boats, rafts, buoys or the like, characterised by signalling means, e.g. lights, reflectors

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)
  • Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)

Abstract

This system has been designed to work inside inflatable surface marker buoys a. Using a reflective material which is shaped to receive and send back radar signals the system reflects the radar signals enabling search and rescue services to locate its position. The radar reflective material has two banks of reflective radar strips k. Each strip is to be sealed in its own envelope with tails before fixing to the SMB. The system may also be assembled in various other designed containers. This system has a proven radar range of one and half miles from boats and a two mile range from helicopters in mild to moderate sea conditions. The marker buoy is a visual marker combined with a radar detectable device and is ideal for all types of adventure sports as well as divers, snorkelers, swimmers and other application for search and rescue situations.

Description

SEEKER
RADAR DETECTABLE SURFACE MARKER BUOY
The SEEKER Radar detectable inflatable surface marker buoy is a visual marker combined with a radar detectable device and is ideal for all types of adventure sports as well as divers, snorkelers, swimmers and other applications for search and rescue situations.
Systems currently available in the diving/swimming industry have marker buoys in various colours and are fitted with reflective tape for maximum visual sighting, but are not radar detectable.
According to the present invention, the SEEKER Radar detectable surface marker buoy is detectable using radar systems from boats/helicopters or any radar seeking equipment. This particular system has been designed to work in inflatable surface marker buoys. Using a conductive material and shaped to receive and send back radar signals the marker buoy reflects the radar signals enabling search and rescue services to locate the position from a minimum distance of two miles and would be ideal to locate personal in emergency situations. The SEEKER system can also be used by snorkelers and swimmers who may possibly not be seen by oncoming vesels and would be also detectable if lost at sea. Because the SEEKER system has a vast range of 2+ miles, it may also be used for any land based activity, such as mountaineering and other adventure sports.
The SEEKER system is configured within an inflatable buoy which is tubular in shape, this system is made from high visible flow orange waterproof 4oz weldable polyurethane coated in nylon. In addition, many high visible colours will also be made available. The SEEKER radar conductive shape is positioned inside the top part of the inflatable buoy and is welded to the inside walls of the buoy. When the SEEKER buoy is inflated the radar construction inside unfolds and is formed to work.
The SEEKER buoy may be inflated in four different ways:- 1. By blowing through the oral tube.
2. The oral tube has a non locking nipple fitting which the user can connect to hold a scuba divers low pressure inflation hose fed from a first stage regulator.
3. By replacing the blanking plug system inserting a din pillar then fitting 0.1 litre air cylinder to releasing the air from the cylinder into the buoy.
4. By inserting a scuba divers second stage regulator and purging into the bottom of the SEEKER buoy.
Both the oral tube and the bottom of the SEEKER buoy have non-return systems to prevent the air from escaping. To avoid over inflation, an overpressure valve is fitted to the SEEKER buoy. The same overpressure valve has a pull cord which facilitates deflation of the system.
When the SEEKER buoy is fully inflated it may also be used as an additional flotation device at the surface. Once the SEEKER buoy has been fully deflated it can be rolled and fastened neatly for storage.
Figure 1 shows the SEEKER Radar detectable inflatable surface marker buoy design
and component layout with description key.
Figure 1 (a) shows the SEEKER Radar detectable inflatable surface marker buoy.
Figure 1 (b) illustrates the overpressure valve assembly.
Figure 1 (c) shows the blanking plug assembly.
Figure 1 (d) shows the oral inflator with LP hose connector.
Figure 1 (e) illustrates the 1" webbing Velcro cylinder stay. This will only be used if the user chooses to fit an air cylinder. The stay will secure the cylinder to the SEEKER SMB to prevent movement.
Figures 1 (f) illustrates the I" webbing Velcro SEEKER SMB wrap. Once the buoy has been fully deflated it can be rolled and fastened for storage. The Velcro wrap will prevent unrolling.
Figures 1 (g) illustrates the 25 mm Elastic (heavy duty) SEEKER SMB strap. This strap may be used for holding or attaching a line/rope to the SEEKER SMB to enable use at distance and prevent loss of the unit. A diver may inflate at depth to send up as a surface marker.
Figures 1 (h & i) illustrate two Logos (h) Custom Divers logo will be affixed to the front. Logo (i) CD Radar will be affixed to the rear.
Figure 1 (j) illustrates an eyelet which can be used for hanging the SEEKER SMB to dry after cleaning.
Figure 2 (k) illustrates the SEEKER Conductive Radar strips.
Figure 2 (i) illustrates the SEEKER SMB one-way valve sealing system.
Figure 2 (m) illustrates the open bottom of the SEEKER SMB, by inserting a scuba divers second stage regulator and purging it in the bottom will fill the buoy with air.
Figure 3 illustrates the Conductive radar strips assembly. There are two banks of the conductive radar strips. Each strip is sealed within its own envelope with tails before fixing to the SEEKER SMB wall.

Claims (10)

  1. CLAIMS1. The SEEKER Radar detectable inflatable surface marker buoy is a visual marker buoy combined with a radar detectable device.
  2. 2. The SEEKER marker buoy reflects the radar signals enabling search and rescue services to locate the position from a minimum distance of two miles.
  3. 3. The SEEKER system can also be used by snorkelers and swimmers who may possibly not be seen by oncoming vessels and would be also detectable if lost at sea.
  4. 4. The SEEKER system can also be utilised and fitted to any flotation device including life jackets, buoyancy aids, rafts and boats and may also be utilised by individual persons.
  5. 5. The SEEKER Radar detectable surface marker buoy is detectable using radar systems from boats/helicopters or any radar seeking equipment.
  6. 6. Because the SEEKER system has agreat radar range it can also be used for any land based activity.
  7. 7. The SEEKER Radar detectable inflatable surface marker buoy is suitable for all types of adventure sports as land based activities.
  8. 8. The SEEKER buoy may be inflated in four different ways. (See page 1)
  9. 9. Different sized/colours of the SEEKER buoy are available.
  10. 10. The SEEKER buoy is washable and reusable.Amended claims have been filed as follows:-CLA[MS 1. The SEEKER Radar detectable inflatable surface marker buoy is a visual marker buoy combined with a radar detectable device. The radar reflector shaped construction is enclosed within the body of the surface marker buoy.The flexible radar conductive material is sealed in individual pockets and heat welded to the inside wall of the buoy.(fig 3) When air is injected inside the buoy the two banks of flexible radar conductive materials take shape and are held in place at the top of the buoy. Because of the flexibility of the conductive material the whole buoy may be rolled small to allow easy stowage. When in its rolled state the buoy becomes negative in water without affecting buoyancy for divers. A diver may attach a line to the buoy (usually contained on a reel) and inject air via the ports available causing the buoy to float to the surface. Once inflated, the shape of the internal radar construction is formed within the buoy activating detectable radar signals and the divers position, without the need to surface.2. The SEEKER marker buoy reflects the radar signals enabling search and rescue services to locate the position from a minimum distance of two miles.3. The SEEKER system can also be used by snorkelers and swimmers who may possibly not be seen by oncoming vessels and would be also detectable if lost at sea.4. The SEEKER system can also be utilised and fitted to any flotation device including life jackets, buoyancy aids, rafts and boats and may also be utilised by individual persons.5. The SEEKER Radar detectable surface marker buoy is detectable using radar systems from boats/helicopters or any radar seeking equipment.6. Because the SEEKER system has a great radar range it can also be used for any land based activity.7. The SEEKER Radar detectable inflatable surface marker buoy is suitable for all types of adventure sports as land based activities.8. The SEEKER buoy may be inflated in four different ways. (See page 1) 9. Different sized/colours of the SEEKER buoy are available.10. The SEEKER buoy is washable and reusable.
GB0816863.5A 2008-09-15 2008-09-15 Seeker Radar detectable surface marker buoy Expired - Fee Related GB2463324B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0816863.5A GB2463324B (en) 2008-09-15 2008-09-15 Seeker Radar detectable surface marker buoy

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0816863.5A GB2463324B (en) 2008-09-15 2008-09-15 Seeker Radar detectable surface marker buoy

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0816863D0 GB0816863D0 (en) 2008-10-22
GB2463324A true GB2463324A (en) 2010-03-17
GB2463324B GB2463324B (en) 2013-10-30

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0816863.5A Expired - Fee Related GB2463324B (en) 2008-09-15 2008-09-15 Seeker Radar detectable surface marker buoy

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2463324B (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10568465B2 (en) 2017-05-11 2020-02-25 Summer Infant (usa) Inc. Bath seat

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4475476A (en) * 1981-08-10 1984-10-09 Howard Thomas L Signal staff for a person in the water
US4579536A (en) * 1983-06-20 1986-04-01 Cameron Robert W Floating search and rescue inflatable pyramid
US4697706A (en) * 1986-11-07 1987-10-06 Schaller Donald L Life spotting distress signal package
US5454742A (en) * 1993-11-30 1995-10-03 Robertson; James H. Radar reflective buoy and method of manufacturing the same
JPH0885492A (en) * 1994-09-16 1996-04-02 Fujikura Rubber Ltd Marker buoy device for submersible buoy
WO1999037535A1 (en) * 1998-01-23 1999-07-29 Rhumbline Limited A buoyancy device
JP2005082096A (en) * 2003-09-10 2005-03-31 Kamiyama Hoso Zairyo:Kk Radar wave reflector
WO2005032933A1 (en) * 2003-10-03 2005-04-14 Katsumi Ikeda Portable radar wave reflection apparatus
WO2005051759A1 (en) * 2003-11-28 2005-06-09 Katsumi Ikeda Collapsible storage type floatation ring

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4475476A (en) * 1981-08-10 1984-10-09 Howard Thomas L Signal staff for a person in the water
US4579536A (en) * 1983-06-20 1986-04-01 Cameron Robert W Floating search and rescue inflatable pyramid
US4697706A (en) * 1986-11-07 1987-10-06 Schaller Donald L Life spotting distress signal package
US5454742A (en) * 1993-11-30 1995-10-03 Robertson; James H. Radar reflective buoy and method of manufacturing the same
JPH0885492A (en) * 1994-09-16 1996-04-02 Fujikura Rubber Ltd Marker buoy device for submersible buoy
WO1999037535A1 (en) * 1998-01-23 1999-07-29 Rhumbline Limited A buoyancy device
JP2005082096A (en) * 2003-09-10 2005-03-31 Kamiyama Hoso Zairyo:Kk Radar wave reflector
WO2005032933A1 (en) * 2003-10-03 2005-04-14 Katsumi Ikeda Portable radar wave reflection apparatus
WO2005051759A1 (en) * 2003-11-28 2005-06-09 Katsumi Ikeda Collapsible storage type floatation ring

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0816863D0 (en) 2008-10-22
GB2463324B (en) 2013-10-30

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PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20190915

S28 Restoration of ceased patents (sect. 28/pat. act 1977)

Free format text: APPLICATION FILED

S28 Restoration of ceased patents (sect. 28/pat. act 1977)

Free format text: RESTORATION ALLOWED

Effective date: 20201211

PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20210915