US20150239536A1

US20150239536A1 - Combination Diving Reel and Safety Buoy Holding Device

Info

Publication number: US20150239536A1
Application number: US14/523,853
Authority: US
Inventors: Jorge Alberto Preciat Cervera
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-02-25
Filing date: 2014-10-25
Publication date: 2015-08-27

Abstract

Disclosed is a combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device. The device includes a housing having a semi-circular shape with an open bottom portion for providing access to the interior volume therein. The interior volume of the housing is adapted to hold a reel assembly therein. The reel assembly is connected to a cover disposed on the exterior of the housing. The cover includes a handle and an axle, wherein the handle can be actuated to rotate the cover and the reel assembly concurrently about the axle. The exterior of the housing includes an inflatable safety buoy secured thereto. In one embodiment, the safety buoy is secured in place via an adjustable strap. The present invention may be removably attached to a diver's gear or accessories via a hook disposed on the top portion of the housing.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/944,117 filed on Feb. 25, 2014. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a diving accessory. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an improved diving reel and safety buoy holding device. The device includes a housing that is adapted to hold a diving reel therein, and that is adapted to transport a safety buoy. In this way, the present invention provides an all-in-one device that provides means for marking underwater locations.
A buoy is a flotation device that is anchored to a line to mark a location on a body of water. Buoys can be taken on dives by scuba divers to mark their position underwater. Additionally, buoys can be used to mark dive sites for the boat safety cover of scuba divers so that the divers can descend to the dive site more easily in conditions of low visibility or tidal currents and more safely do decompression stops on their ascent.
To use a traditional surface marker buoy, divers generally carry a buoy and a separate reel assembly having a line wrapped therearound. However, it can be inconvenient to keep the reel assembly and the buoy separately. Maintaining the reel assembly and the buoy separately can increase the likelihood of misplacing one of the items, rendering the other item useless by itself. Thus, a device that allows divers to store a reel assembly and a buoy together in a compact manner is desired.
The present invention provides a combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device. The diving reel includes a housing for holding a reel assembly in the interior thereof, and an inflatable buoy on the exterior thereof. The reel assembly is connected to a cover having a handle attached thereto. The handle can be extended outward into an open position so as to rotate the cover and the reel assembly, whereby rotating the reel assembly releases or retracts the line wrapped therearound. The handle can also be moved inward into a closed position so that it rests flush against the cover.
In one embodiment, the housing is substantially semi-circular in shape and comprises a hook on the top portion thereof. The hook can be used to removably attach the diving reel to the diver or other diving accessories. The housing may further comprise a strap attached thereto. The strap can be used to secure the buoy on the exterior of the housing. In this way, the buoy is readily accessible when it is needed.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that claim diving reels and safety buoys. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. Devices in the prior art generally disclose safety buoys and markers with attached reels. These devices, however, do not disclose a housing for holding a diving reel on the exterior of the drum and a buoy on the interior thereof. The foregoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.
Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,952 to Tenniswood discloses a compact, stowable marker device for underwater location. The device comprises a housing having a reel thereon, and an elongated line attached to the housing and wrapped around the reel. The line is further connected to an inflatable marker balloon. Tenniswood, however, does not disclose a hook for securing the housing to the user, and a strap for securing a buoy on the exterior of the housing.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,705,697 to Verdun discloses a scuba diving reel comprising a wrist band having a reel attached thereto. The reel comprises a line that is connected to a buoy. The wrist band may comprise hook and loop fasteners thereon for adjustably securing onto a user's wrist. In contrast, the present invention comprises a housing in which a reel is disposed. The reel can be actuated via a handle, which can be pivoted into a closed position when it is not in use.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,295,211 to Suppa discloses a radio buoy that can be dropped from an aircraft or ship. The buoy can float on the surface of the ocean connected to a submerged hydrophone. The buoy can be used for underwater monitoring. Suppa, however, does not disclose a housing having a diving reel in the interior thereof, and a buoy on the exterior thereof.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,173,067 to Biba discloses a scuba take-up reel having a housing with a reel disposed therein. The reel comprises a line therearound, wherein a terminal end of the line comprises a hook thereon. The hook may be removably attached to a floating surface buoy. Biba, however, does not disclose a buoy that is secured to the exterior thereof. Further, Biba does not disclose a reel that can be actuated via a handle that is pivotally attached to a cover that is connected to the reel.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,735,723 to Lutz discloses an inflatable emergency device having a cylindrical housing comprising an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion comprises a balloon, which is connected to a cartridge chamber disposed in the lower portion. When the housing is submerged in water, the balloon is adapted to automatically inflate so as to float on the water. In contrast, the present invention discloses an elongated buoy that can be rolled into a compact configuration so as to be secured on the exterior of the housing.
The devices disclosed in the prior art have several known drawbacks. These devices are limited in that none of these devices comprise means for securing a buoy on the exterior of a diving reel. The present invention overcomes these limitations by disclosing a housing having a diving reel in the interior thereof, and a buoy on the exterior thereof. It is therefore submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to diving reels and safety buoys. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of diving reels and safety buoys now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new and improved combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device wherein the same can be utilized for marking an underwater location.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new and improved combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device having a reel that can be rotated via a handle.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device that can be removably attached to a diver or diving gear.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device having a buoy that is readily accessible and deployable.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device wherein the device may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein the numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the diving reel of the presentation having a handle in a closed position.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the diving reel of the presentation having a handle in an open position.

FIG. 3 shows a side planar view of the diving reel of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a top planar view of the diving reel of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a front planar view of the diving reel of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a disassembled view of the diving reel of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a view of the safety buoy of the present invention in an open position.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

References are made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for marking an underwater location. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown perspective views of the diving reel of the present invention. The diving reel 21 comprises a semi-circular housing 22 having a top portion, side portions, and an open bottom portion, providing access to the interior volume thereof. The top portion of the housing 22 comprises a hook 26 thereon, wherein a lower end 43 of the hook 26 may be pivotally attached to the housing 22. Preferably, the hook 26 is centrally located on the top portion of the housing 22. The top portion of the housing 22 may comprise apertures 30 near the bottom portion thereof. The apertures 30 may be adapted to receive a strap therethrough.
The interior of the housing 22 comprises a reel assembly 28. The reel assembly 28 is connected to a cover 24 that is disposed on the exterior of one of the side portions of the housing 22. The cover 24 is circular in shape and comprises a plurality of apertures 23 thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures 23 are circular in shape and are disposed along the peripheral edge of the cover 24 such that they are separated at regular intervals.
One of the apertures 23 comprises a handle connector 27 having a handle 25 pivotally attached thereto. In this way, the handle 25 can pivot inward into a closed position so that it rests flush against the exterior side of the cover 24, as shown in FIG. 1. The cover 24 comprises a tab 29 thereon, wherein the tab is adapted to secure the handle 25 in the closed position. The tab 29 comprises a rectangular shape, and includes a protrusion on the midpoint thereof. The protrusion is adapted to impede the handle 25 from pivoting. Conversely, the handle 25 can pivot outward into an open position so that it is perpendicular to the cover 24. When the handle 25 is in an open position, it can be used to rotate the reel assembly 28 and the cover 24. Thereafter, the handle 25 can be moved into a closed position so that the handle 25 does not snag onto diving equipment or accessories.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a side planar view and a top planar view of the diving reel of the present invention, respectively. The housing 22 is configured to partially enclose the reel assembly 28 so that the lower portion of the reel assembly 28 is exposed and the upper portion of the reel assembly 28 is enclosed in the interior volume of the housing 22. The reel assembly 28 comprises two circular plates and a cylindrical axle therebetween. One side of the reel assembly 28 is connected to the cover 24 having a handle 25 thereon. The handle 25 can be pivoted outward so as to disengage the tab on the cover 24. Thereafter, the handle 25 can be used to rotate the cover 24, whereby rotating the cover 24 can rotate the reel assembly 28 concurrently. When the reel assembly 28 is being rotated, the reel assembly 28 does not interfere with the pivotal movement of the hook 26 disposed on the top portion of the housing.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a front planar view of the diving reel of the present invention. The front of the diving reel 21 comprises a cover 24. The cover 24 is dimensioned so that it does not extend beyond the peripheral edge of the housing 22. Additionally, the diameter of the cover 24 is greater than the diameter of the reel assembly so that the reel assembly is not visible from the front.
The cover 24 comprises a plurality of apertures 23 along the peripheral edge thereof so as to allow water to pass through the diving reel 21 when it is submerged in water. One of the apertures 23 comprises a handle connector 27 having a handle 25 pivotally attached thereto. The handle connector 27 may be dimensioned so that is length is substantially equal to the diameter of the aperture 23 in which it is placed. Additionally, the handle 25 is dimensioned so that it can snap into the tab and remain secured thereto until it is pulled out of the tab.
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a disassembled view of the diving reel of the present invention. The diving reel 21 includes a housing 22 having a semi-circular shape with a defined top portion and side portions, leaving the bottom portion open for providing access to the interior volume therein. Additionally, the bottom of the housing 22 comprises apertures 30 for receiving a strap 31 therethrough. Each of the lower ends 45 of the side portions comprises a protruding portion 46. Each of the protruding portions 46 is centrally located on each of the lower ends 45 such that they are directly aligned. Additionally, each of the protruding portions 46 comprises a circular aperture 44 thereon.
The interior volume of the housing 22 is adapted to receive the upper portion of the reel assembly 28 therein. The reel assembly 28 is positioned so that the aperture 48 of the reel assembly 28 is aligned with the aperture 44 of the housing 22. Preferably, the diameter of the aperture 48 of the reel assembly 28 is substantially equal to the aperture 44 of the housing 22. Each of the apertures 44, 48 is adapted to receive an axle 47 that is connected to the interior side of the cover 24. Accordingly, the diameter of the axle 47 is slightly less than the diameter of the apertures 44, 48. The axle 47 may snugly fit within the aperture 48 so that the reel assembly 28 can rotate in conjunction with the cover 24 and the axle 47. It is contemplated that the axle 47 spans the distance between the two plates of the reel assembly 28 so that the axle 47 does not extend beyond the reel assembly 28. The axle 47 may be prevented from becoming disengaged via a fastener or a stopping mechanism such as a cap nut or a bolt disposed at terminal end thereof.
Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a view of the safety buoy of the present invention in an open position. The safety buoy 32 of the present invention comprises an elongated marker 36 having a proximal end 40 and a distal end 39. The marker 36 is easily inflatable, and is composed of nylon heat sealed material or other suitable materials. The buoy is adapted to open easily. Additionally, it is preferred that the marker 36 comprises a bright color, such as a neon color that is easily visible.
The proximal end 40 of the marker 36 comprises a planar flap 34. The flap 34 includes a leading end 42 and a trailing end 41, wherein the trailing end 41 is attached to the proximal end 40 of the marker 36. The flap 34 may be stitched onto the proximal end 40 of the marker 36, or heat sealed. The leading end 42 of the flap 34 comprises a fastener 35 that is connected to a hook 33. It is contemplated that the hook 33 may be used to connect the buoy 32 to a line that is wrapped around the diving reel of the present invention. The distal end 39 of the marker 36 may comprise a closed loop that can be used to connect to additional diving gear or to hang the buoy 32. In some embodiments, the buoy 32 may further comprise an oral inflator for manually inflating the buoy, and a reflective trim to increase visibility. In a deflated state, the buoy 32 can be rolled so that it can be stored easily in a compact manner.
Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a view of the combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device of the present invention in a stored configuration. The buoy 32 is deflated and rolled so that it is compact in size. Thereafter, the buoy 32 is placed adjacent to one of the side portions of the housing 22, and secured in place via a strap 31 that is threaded through the apertures 30 on the housing 22. Preferably, the strap 31 is adjustable in length so that it can be tightened around the buoy 32. In some embodiments, the strap 31 may comprise a rubber band.
The buoy 32 is readily accessible from the exterior of the housing 22 and can be transported with the reel assembly. When the buoy 32 is in use, it can be removed from the strap 31 and connected to a line that is wrapped around the reel assembly. The strap 31 may be removed from the housing 22 or used to carry the housing 22.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above descriptions then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specifications are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1) A combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device, comprising:

a housing having a top portion, side portions, and an open bottom portion for providing an access to an interior volume therein;

a reel assembly rotatably positioned within said interior volume of said housing;

a cover having an interior side and an exterior side having a handle pivotally attached to said exterior side;

wherein said cover is affixed to said reel assembly;

wherein said reel assembly and said cover is adapted to be rotated by actuation of said handle, whereby said handle can be moved into an open position and a closed position;

an inflatable buoy removably secured to one of said side portions of said housing via a strap.

2) The combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device of claim 1, wherein said inflatable buoy is elongated in shape.

3) The combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device of claim 1, wherein said housing is semi-circular in shape.

4) The combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device of claim 1,

said interior side of said cover includes an axle extending perpendicularly therefrom;

said reel assembly comprising a centrally located aperture;

each of said side portions of said housing comprising a lower end having a centrally located aperture;

wherein said aperture of said reel assembly and said aperture of said housing are directly aligned to receive said axle therethrough.

5) The combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device of claim 1, wherein said reel assembly comprises two circular plates and a cylindrical axle therebetween.

6) The combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of apertures near a lower end of said top portion of said housing;

wherein said strap is secured through said plurality of apertures near said lower end of said top portion of said housing.

7) The combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device of claim 1, wherein said strap is a rubber band.

8) The combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device of claim 1, wherein said cover comprises a plurality of apertures along a peripheral edge thereof.

9) The combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device of claim 1, further comprising a tab on said cover;

said tab adapted to secure said handle in said closed position.

10) The combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device of claim 1, further comprising a hook pivotally attached to said top portion of said housing.

11) The combination diving reel and safety buoy holding device of claim 1, wherein said buoy comprises a hook.