US20240174332A1

US20240174332A1 - Floating marker buoy

Info

Publication number: US20240174332A1
Application number: US18/519,480
Authority: US
Inventors: Brent Jacob Draper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-11-28
Filing date: 2023-11-27
Publication date: 2024-05-30

Abstract

A marker buoy and marker buoy system for attaching to underwater objects and indicating a location above the object residing beneath the surface of the water. The marker buoy can include an upper body with a shaft rotatably mounted within and a lower body oriented centrally in relation to the upper body. A line for attachment to the underwater object is wound around a spool affixed which can be to the shaft, and the line can feed out of the marker buoy through an aperture located on the lower body. The shaft may be locked to prevent rotation utilizing a locking mechanism. Various fittings and mounts enable extra components to attach onto the marker buoy for additional features.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to marker devices. More particularly, this relates to marker buoys that can be deployed under the surface of a body of water to indicate the position of an underwater object or person.

BACKGROUND

Buoys can be used to mark various underwater objects, the placement of the buoy indicating to observers and above (or below) the water surface that an object of interest is positioned below the buoy. Marking objects underwater is critical for fishermen, watercraft operators, water sport participants, SCUBA divers, swimmers, athletes, aircraft operators, military personnel, and other individuals around water to indicate hazards or interesting objects. For example, objects that are sometimes marked by a buoy include dive sites, fishing traps, anchors, reefs, rocks, wrecks, sunken items, explosive devices, demolition charges, and other underwater hazards and objects. While some devices exist for marking underwater objects to indicate positioning at the surface, there is a need for more reliable and easier marking devices, and marking devices that are easier to deploy, in particular by user that deploys the marker underwater. Often, buoys deployed underwater float away from their intended site, or buoys that are tethered to an underwater object and deployed have a surface-level marking component that becomes tangles and fails to deploy as an effective marker. Hence, many water-based activities still require robust buoys that can consistently stay in position and dependably deploy to the surface.

SUMMARY

Certain aspects of this invention are defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims include optional features of some embodiments of the invention. The systems, methods, and devices described herein each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this disclosure, several non-limiting features will now be discussed briefly.
Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Neither this summary nor the following detailed description purports to define or limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.
In one aspect described herein, a marker buoy comprises an upper body shaped around a longitudinal axis, the upper body having an outer surface; a lower body that has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end is coupled to the upper body at a center portion of the first body and the lower body arranged in perpendicular alignment with the longitudinal axis, and the distal end having a line-feed aperture; a rotatable shaft having a first end and a second end, the rotatable shaft positioned in the upper body and aligned along the longitudinal axis of the upper body; a spool position in the upper body and coupled to the shaft to rotate with the shaft; a fitting coupled to the first end of the shaft and positioned outside the upper body, the fitting having one or more straight sides; a line wound onto the spool that, when unwound, enters the proximal end of the lower body and exits the lower body through the line-feed aperture; a foam filler positioned within the upper body, the foam filler configured to provide positive buoyancy for the marker buoy; a mount coupled to the outer surface of the upper body; and a locking mechanism configured to prevent the shaft from rotating when employed.
In some embodiments, the marker buoy's line may be braided or varies in thickness to increase the weight and strength of the line. In some embodiments, the second end of the shaft may be enhanced to create a grip for spinning by a user. In some embodiments, the line can be adapted to be attached to an object under the surface of the water. In some embodiments, all components are comprised of a corrosion-resistant material. In some embodiments, the marker buoy contains a weight positioned within the upper body or the lower body to ensure the marker buoy maintains proper orientation. In some embodiments, the upper body and the lower body are one component creating a single, unified housing.
In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a first aperture through the upper body and a second aperture through the first end of the shaft, the first aperture and the second aperture are alignable, wherein a removable locking pin is sized to fit through the first aperture and the second aperture when aligned. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may also contain a cable configured to the removable locking pin that wraps around the shaft to secure the removeable locking pin in place.
In some embodiments, the fitting has 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more straight sides. In some embodiments, the upper body and the lower body are molded from a buoyant material. In some embodiments, the upper body and the lower body are cylindrical with diameters less than or equal to about 3 inches. In some embodiments, a GPS transducer, a light, or a radio may couple to the mount. In some embodiments, the mount consists of a plurality of mounts coupled to the outer surface of the upper body. In some embodiments, the upper body and the lower body are marked for increased visibility. In some embodiments, the upper body and the lower body each contain a hollow cavity.
In another aspect described herein, a system for marking an underwater object comprises means for removably attaching a buoyant housing to a target object under a surface of water; means for disabling a locking mechanism configured to the buoyant housing, wherein the locking mechanism can prevent rotation of a shaft configured to spin and deploy a line; and means for releasing the buoyant housing to float to the surface of water while remaining attached to the target object by way of the line. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be re-enabled to prevent the shaft from spinning and the deployment of the line is stopped. In some embodiments, the method further comprises means for rotating the shaft to wind the line back around the shaft. In some embodiments, the buoyant housing may be structured to maintain a specific orientation when released to float to the surface of water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 is a representative perspective view of an example of a deployed marker buoy.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an example of a marker buoy, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front cutaway view of an example of a marker buoy, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of an example of a marker buoy, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a representative bottom view of an example of a marker buoy, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of an example of a market buoy, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of an example of a marker buoy having objects/attachments coupled to thereto, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of an example of one alternative embodiment of a marker buoy, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A better understanding of different embodiments of the invention may be had from the following description, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like elements.
Embodiments of marker buoys are disclosed herein. Although certain illustrative embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail, the claims are not limited to these embodiments. However, there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, combinations, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and defined by the appended claims.
Unless a term is expressly defined in this patent to possess a described meaning, there is no intent to limit the meaning of such term, either expressly or indirectly, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning. Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6.
Disclosed herein are examples of embodiments of marker buoys that can be deployed underwater for marking objects below the surface of the water such that the objects can be easily located at a subsequent time, or located immediately by someone or something (e.g., a boar, ship, drone, aircraft, or satellite) at or above the water surface. For example, to mark objects related to fishing and game, underwater equipment, underwater targets of interest, jettisoned items, or reefs or wrecks. Current methods of marking underwater objects exhibit many disadvantages that the current design seeks to overcome.
Marker buoys of the type disclosed are small enough to be portable and handled by a diver, yet large enough to be apparent to observers on the surface of the water. The compact size of the marker buoy allows for multiple to be transported by a diver without significantly interfering with the buoyancy of the diver. In some examples, the marker buoys include one or more signaling devices that facilitates location of the buoy. For example, a light (e.g., visible, IR, etc.), a radio transmitter, a transponder, a smoke generating device, a sound generating device, or another signaling device that can be detected by a user or with corresponding detector equipment (e.g., a radio receiver, IR detector, etc.). In various embodiments, the signaling devices can be incorporated into the buoy or can be removably attached to the buoy.
One particular application for a marker buoy may be a method for marking oneself or another as a dive casualty which may occur due to an injury, lack of air, major or minor mechanical injury, or an individual unable to ascend to the surface. In such a scenario, a marker buoy serves as a warning device or as an emergency transponder device. In some instances, a marker buoy may be used to partially or fully lift an individual in the case of an unconscious diver or for body location and recovery.
The housing and overall shape of the buoy may be structured to ensure the buoy floats in a specific orientation and does not rotate or invert as it floats to the surface. Positioning buoyant material, such as foam or air, in certain areas of the device prevents the housing from spinning and tangling upon deployment, an advantage over current designs. In some embodiments, the buoy is configured such that the top of the buoy is designed to consistently be positioned above the bottom of the device. That is, a first portion of the buoy (e.g., an upper portion) of the buoy is designed to be aligned above a second portion of the buoy (e.g., a lower portion) when the buoy is deployed and travels to the water surface. Additionally, the buoy is easy to deploy and does not require unrolling or filling like current designs.
Another advantage of the claimed invention includes housing material that can be durable and can resist being damaged by boats or other watercraft. The buoy has a robust housing protects the internal components and winding mechanism so the buoy may be reused without any, or nearly any, regular maintenance and there is a minimum chance of damage to the winding mechanism.
The winding mechanism allows the buoy to exist in a deployed state and an undeployed, ready-to-use state. Winding line back into the housing is easy via the shaft and may be achieved manually (e.g., by turning an outer portion of the shaft or a member coupled to the shaft) or via a drill attached to spin the shaft (or a member coupled to the shaft). When the line is stored inside the housing when undeployed, the device resists getting caught or snagged as it moves through the water. Internal components may be accessed from the side of the buoy, or if the buoy is designed differently, components may be accessed from the top or the bottom.
In some embodiments, the disclosed buoy device may utilize different types of line for various applications. In situations where the line needs to be durable and resistant to abrasions, a heavier line may be wound into the housing. In alternate applications, a lighter line that is easy to break may be utilized so that the housing can be easily separated.
In some embodiments, a locking mechanism enables a user to prevent line from feeding into or out of the device. Such a feature allows a user to fix the line at different lengths from the housing. The housing may be permitted to float all the way to the surface when deployed, or the housing may float at an intermediate position without breaking the surface of the water.
The buoy can include one or more mounts that allow for the attachment of additional components to the buoy. In various embodiments, a mount may be placed anywhere on the housing of the buoy so that objects may extend directly up from the top or down from the bottom. Due to the buoyancy of the device and its ability to float in a certain orientation, attached components can be positioned in a particular desired orientation on the buoy. Attachments may include one or more of a light (e.g., visible, infrared (IR)), etc.), a GPS unit, an extension of the housing, a transponder, a radio transmitter, a sound device, or other physical or radio indicators.
All components of the housing, the line, the winding mechanism, and attachments are made from durable materials that will not deteriorate in fresh or salt water. Additionally, components can withstand exposure to humans, boats, rough water, sea life, explosives, heat and cold, direct or indirect sun exposure, and/or other destructive objects.
Such marker buoys can include a housing that may be configured to float in water in a specific orientation. An amount of line is contained in the housing on a line deployer when the marker buoy is in a ready-to-use state (e.g., with most of line on spool inside housing and an end of the line extending from an aperture in the housing). The line deployer includes a rotational portion that provides the lines to feed through the aperture when the end of the line is attached to an object underwater, and the buoy is released to float towards the water surface.
As used herein, the term marker buoy can signify a deployable device which can float on the surface of water while tethered to something under the surface. For example, a marker buoy can include a housing with line feeing freely from an aperture or may be multiple components configured together capable of attaching to an object and feeding a line through a portion of the device.
The following is a list of certain components that are described and enumerated in this disclosure in reference to the above-listed figures. However, any aspect of the devices illustrated in the figures, whether or not named out separately herein, can form a portion of various embodiments of the invention and may provide basis for claim limitation relating to such aspects, with or without additional description. The enumerated components include:


100	marker buoy
101	underwater object
102	buoy line
103	observer
104	surface of the water
105	housing
106	deployed configuration
200	undeployed configuration
203	upper body
204	lower body
205	top portion
206	bottom portion
207	proximal end
208	distal end
209	line-feed aperture
210	mount
212	fitting
213	removable locking pin
214	first end
215	second end
216	cable
217	shaft aperture
218	housing aperture
219	opening
220	exterior surface
221	grip
222	locking mechanism
223	weight
301	hollow cavity
302	shaft
303	spool end
304	seating point
305	longitudinal axis
306	foam material
307	loop
308	inner spool edge
309	spool core
310	winding mechanism
401	threads
501	upper housing portion
502	lower housing portion
601	attachment
603	object (attached to buoy)
701	molded housing
702	solid material

FIG. 1 is a representative perspective view of an example of a deployed marker buoy 100. Marker buoy 100 contains a buoy line 102 capable of being coupled to an underwater object 101 on a distal end of the buoy line 102 deployed from the buoy such that it feeds out of the marker buoy 100 as the marker buoy 100 floats to the surface of the water 104. Marker buoy 100 also comprises a housing 105 that maintains positive buoyancy for floating on the surface of the water 104 such that it can float above the underwater object 101. The marker buoy 100 can be configured to contain enough buoy line 102 to allow the buoy line 102 to be coupled to an underwater object 101 while the housing 105 floats on the surface of the water 104. This configuration enables an observer 103 on the surface of the water 104 to determine the positioning of the housing 105, and therefore, the observer 103 can determine the location of the underwater object 101. For example, in some embodiments the buoy line 102 can be between 30′ and 200′ long. In various embodiments, the marker buoy 102 can include longer or shorter buoy line 102. The marker buoy 100 depicted comprises a plurality of sides with some portion of the housing 105 configured to be more buoyant so that the buoy floats in a particular orientation.
Alternatively, the buoy line 102 may not be long enough to permit the housing 105 to reach the surface of the water 104. In such cases, the housing 105 may serve as an identifier for an object for individuals or other things below the surface of the water 104.
The underwater object 101 can be any type of object and be of any of various shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the marker buoy 100 can be used to indicate the location of a plurality of underwater objects.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an example of a marker buoy 100, according to some embodiments. The marker buoy 100 is shown in FIG. 2 in an undeployed configuration, and the marker buoy 100 may be structurally configured in various ways. In this embodiment, the marker buoy 100 includes a housing 105 and a line 102. The housing 105 can include an upper body portion (“upper body”) 203 having a longitudinal axis 305 (FIG. 3 ) extending from a first end 214 of the upper body 203 to a second end 213 of the upper body 203. The housing 105 can also include a lower body portion (“lower body”) 204. The lower body 204 can include a proximal end 207 coupled to the upper body 203, and a distal end 208 extending away from the housing 105 and the longitudinal axis 305. In some embodiments, the upper body 203 and the lower body integral to the housing. In some embodiments, the upper body 203 and the lower body 204 are coupled together. In some embodiments, the upper body 203 and the lower body 204 are both generally cylindrical in shape. In some embodiments, the upper body and the lower body are cylindrical with diameters less than or equal to about three inches. In some embodiments, the lower body extends from the upper body at least one inch which can help to maintain a desired orientation of the marker buoy when it is being deployed and when it is deployed. The upper body 203 may be divided into a top portion 205 and a bottom portion 206, and the upper body 203 may have a first end 214 and an opposing second end 215. The housing 105 has an exterior surface 220. The lower body 204 has both a proximal end 207 and a distal end 208, wherein the proximal end 207 is connected to the upper body 203 at a central position on the bottom portion 206 of the upper body 203. Additionally, the lower body 204 may be aligned perpendicular to the upper body 203, resulting in the marker buoy 100 having a “T” shape.
The distal end 208 of the lower body 204 can include a line-feed aperture 209 where the buoy line 102 feeds through and extends out of the housing 105. A mount 210 or a fitting may be coupled to the exterior surface 220 of the top portion 205 of the upper body 203 for the attachment of extra devices or components to the marker buoy 100.
The upper body 203 surrounds a cavity containing a mechanism for winding and deploying the buoy line 102. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes rotating member that runs through a portion of, or the entirety of, the upper body 203. In the illustrated embodiment, a shaft 302 (shown in FIG. 3 ) runs through the center of the upper body 203 and protrudes on either end of the upper body 203 on the outside of the housing 105 out of the first end 214 and the second end 215. A fitting 212 may be coupled at the second end 215 of the shaft 302 on the outside of the housing 105 and spins with the rotation of the internal shaft 302. The shaft 302 is configured to rotate in both directions to deploy line and to wind line onto the spool. The fitting 212 on the second end 215 allows the attachment of a drill or similar device to couple and spin the shaft 302 as a method to wind the buoy line 102 back onto the shaft 302. Opposite the second end 215, the first end 214 may not include a fitting 212 but offers a larger grip 221 for the user. Either the first end 214 with the grip 221 or the second end 215 with the fitting 212 may be manually twisted by the user to wind the buoy line 102 back into the housing 105 of the marker buoy 100.
In some embodiments, the marker buoy 100 may contain a locking mechanism 222. In the illustrated example, a removable locking pin 213 is coupled to both the shaft 302 and the upper body 203 of the housing 105 through a set of apertures. A first aperture (shaft aperture 217) may extend through the shaft 302 in a portion of the shaft 302 that is in an area internal to the housing 105. A second aperture (a housing aperture 105) may extend through the housing 105 so that when both the shaft aperture 217 and the housing aperture 218 are aligned, a removable locking pin 213 may be inserted to lock the shaft 302 into a non-rotatable position. When the shaft 302 is locked, the buoy line 102 is unable to wind or unwind from the housing 105. The removable locking pin 213 is inserted to hold the shaft 302 in place, and a cable 216 is wrapped around the removable locking pin 213 to prevent it from slipping out of the apertures. When the cable 216 is unwrapped, the removable locking pin 213 may be removed from the apertures when the marker buoy 100 is underwater to allow the housing 105 to float to the surface.
Various embodiments of marker buoys can include one or more other features. For example, in some embodiments, the housing 105 may be comprised of several different sections or components, and the marker buoy 100 may have one main body or a plurality of bodies connected to form the housing 105. Additionally, the marker buoy 100 may be of various shapes, wherein the components are cylindrical, ovular, square, or may take on any irregular shape. The housing 105 may be of various sizes wherein the marker buoy 100 is bigger for greater visibility on the surface of the water or may be smaller depending on the application.
In some embodiments the buoy line 102 may be rope, thread, wire, cable, or line that can be braided or twisted to increase weight or strength, and the line may be of various lengths or colors. The buoy line may be comprised of a material that is corrosion resistant such as Kevlar, nylon, polypropylene, or the like. The buoy line may be covered in heat shrink wrap.
Another innovation includes one or more fittings at the end of the shaft positioned outside of the housing on either the first side, the second side, or both. A fitting may be of various shapes and sizes. A fitting may have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more straight sides allowing the fitting to be coupled to a drill (e.g., via a coupling bit coupled to the drill) or other device to quickly spin the shaft to wind the buoy line into the buoy housing. In an alternative embodiment, the fitting may be located inside the buoy housing. A specially shaped aperture may be positioned in the housing to allow a drill to access the fitting contained within the housing. In such an embodiment, the fitting may not protrude from the ends of the housing and the overall shape of the marker buoy may be more compact with reduced risk of breaking off any external or protruding fittings.
Various embodiments of a marker buoy can have different sizes, bigger or smaller, of the housing 105 and both the upper body 203 and the lower body 204. For example, in some embodiments, the upper body 203 is approximately 12 inches long, along the longitudinal axis 305, and the upper body has a diameter of about 4 inches, plus or minus about 20%. The lower body 204 has a diameter of approximately 4 inches and extends from the upper body by about 2 inches, plus or minus about 20%. In some embodiments, the upper body 203 is approximately 8.5 inches long, along the longitudinal axis 305, and the upper body has a diameter of about 2.5 inches, plus or minus about 20%. The lower body 204 has a diameter of approximately 2.5 inches and extends from the upper body by about 2 inches, plus or minus about 20%. In some embodiments, the upper body 203 has a length along the longitudinal axis 305 of any of, or between any two of the following dimensions: 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, 14 inches, 15 inches, 16 inches, 17 inches, 18 inches, 19 inches, 20 inches, 21 inches, 22 inches, 23 inches and 24 inches. In some embodiments, the diameter of the upper body is any of, or between any two of, the following dimensions: 2 inches, 2.5 inches, 3 inches, 3.5 inches, 4 inches, 4.5 inches, 5 inches, 5.5 inches, and 6 inches. In some embodiments, the lower body 204 extends from the upper body 203 by at least 0.1″ and can extend from the upper body 203 between 0.1 inches and 8 inches, for example, by 1″, 2″, 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″, 7″, 8″, 9″, or 10″, or at a length between 1″ and 10″ plus or minus 0.5″. In some examples, the lower body 204 extends from the upper body 203 inch by a length that is less than the length of the upper body 203.
The marker buoy 100 may include various embodiments of locking mechanisms 222. In an embodiment, the cable 216 may be replaced with a retainer band or other more flexible retaining material. In alternative embodiments, the locking mechanism 222 may be a gear, magnets, a latch, a finger catch to prevent the shaft from spinning, or the like. In some embodiments, all components of the locking mechanism 222 are non-metallic. In some embodiments, all of the components of the marker buoy are non-metallic.
In some embodiments, the marker buoy housing and line are colored so that the device has high visibility in water or, alternatively, the components are colored so that they have high visibility on the surface of the water. In various embodiments, the housing may include a RADAR reflective material. In some embodiments, the housing is textured or raised for gripping by the user.
FIG. 3 is a representative front cutaway view of an example of a marker buoy 100. The internal components may be configured in various ways to enable the buoy line 102 to both wind into and unwind from the housing 105. In the present embodiment, the housing 105 contains a hollow cavity 301 within the upper body 203 and the lower body 204 wherein the winding mechanism 310 is housed. The upper body 203 contains a rotatable shaft 302 positioned along a longitudinal axis 305 through the center. To keep the shaft 302 in position, the shaft 302 may be seated and secured (but still rotatable) at either end of the upper body 203 at seating points 304. In this embodiment, the shaft 302 protrudes from the upper body 203 and outside the housing 105 on either side. Other components within the housing cavity 301 may include a spool coupled to the shaft 302 that spins simultaneously with the shaft 302. Spool ends 303 keep the buoy line 102 centered in the upper body 203. The two spool ends 303 extend away from the shaft farther then a portion of the spool between the two spool ends 303 to center the line between the spool ends 303. A central portion to the spool that may be the shaft 302 or a spool core 309 holds the line between the spool ends 303 and onto the shaft 302. One end of the buoy line 102 enters the proximal end 207 of the lower body 204 and exits the housing 105 through a line-feed aperture 209 on the distal end 208 of the lower body 204. The line 102 may be configured to easily couple an object such as having a loop tied to the end or some other attachment to couple an underwater object.
In some embodiments, the cavity 301 may be filled in numerous spots with a foam material 306 to give the housing 105 a positive buoyancy for floating. There may be more or less foam depending on the size of the marker buoy 100 or depending on the objects attached to the housing 105. Foam filler can be distributed in different areas and configurations to change the buoyancy or orientation of the marker buoy when submerged in water. For example, if the marker buoy 100 is larger and has several extra attachments coupled to the exterior surface 220, the cavity 301 may be filled with foam material 306 specifically in spots to keep the attachments pointed upright or towards the sky. Presence of foam filler within the marker buoy is not meant to impair the rotation of the shaft. Foam material 306 can be of any buoyancy material, including air. In some alternative embodiments, housing 105, winding mechanism 301 components, or other parts of the marker buoy 100 may be made at least in part with a buoyant material that is less dense than water such that the marker buoy is buoyant without additional foam material or air.
In an alternative innovation, the shaft 302 and the winding mechanism 310 are contained entirely within the marker buoy housing 105. This creates the advantage of minimizing the risk of damage to the device if mechanical components are positioned outside the housing 105.
In an embodiment, a tensioning mechanism may interact with the spool and line. The tension mechanism may be configured to control the release of line from the line-feed aperture to prevent unintentional release. In some embodiments, the tension mechanism is comprised of non-corrodible hardware.
FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are representative top and bottom views, respectively, of an example of a marker buoy according to some embodiments. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4A, the mount 210 extends from exterior surface 220 of the upper body 203. In this example, the mount 210 may be coupled to the top portion 205. In some examples, the mount extends from the upper body 203 and may form integral with the upper body 203. In some embodiments, the mount can be coupled to, or formed integral to, another portion of the marker buoy. In some embodiments, the mount can be recessed into the upper body 203. For example, the mount includes an aperture extending into the upper body 203 and can include threads along the surface of the aperture. In the example in FIG. 4A, the mount 210 may be centrally positioned directly on the top portion 205 on the upper body 203 of the marker buoy 100 such that items coupled to the mount may extend out of, or partially out of, the water when the marker buoy is afloat, or are positioned to be able to be seen by an observation point above the water. In this embodiment, the mount 210 contains threads 401 for the attachment of additional components. The mount 210 may have various coupling means such as threads, snaps, a sliding mechanism, or the like. Various instruments or features may be coupled to the mount such as a light, GPS transducer, extension for increased visibility, radio beacon or another identifying object (see FIG. 6 ). In some embodiments, the mount is positioned on another portion of the marker buoy (e.g., the lower body 204) such that an item coupled to the mount is in the water or extends downward when the marker buoy is afloat. In some embodiments, the marker buoy includes two or more mounts, for example, 2, 3, 4, or five mounts. For example, a marker buoy may include a mount for a light and a mount for flag or a reflective device (e.g., a RADAR reflector).
FIG. 4B illustrates the bottom perspective of an example of a marker buoy 100 such that the line feed aperture 209 can be visualized with the line 102 feeding out of the marker buoy 100. In the present embodiment, the marker 100 is comprised of an upper body 203 and a lower body 204, wherein the lower body 204 is designed to deploy the line 102 out of the housing 105 through a single point. This design prevents tangling of the line 102 around the housing 105 as the line 102 feeds out of the device. Components of the marker buoy 100 may be removable and disassembled to access the inner components or the cavity 301 within the housing 105.
In alternative embodiments, the line 102 may deploy out of various positions on the marker buoy and does not need to be centrally located along the upper body or lower body.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example of a marker buoy 100 according to an embodiment. As previously indicated, the marker buoy 100 may be configured of different shaped and sized components. Generally, the device will contain a housing 105 that will hold the winding mechanism 310 and associated components. In an undeployed configuration, the line 102 can be primarily held within the housing 105. The housing 105 has an upper housing portion 501 and a lower housing portion 502 which can be collectively comprised of one or a plurality of components. Line 102 feeds out of the lower housing portion 502 and the marker buoy 100 is constructed in a manner such that the upper housing portion can be upright while submerged in water. Weights or foam material may be strategically placed within the marker buoy 100 to maintain proper orientation. For example, one or more weights 223 can be positioned within the lower body 204 or attached to the lower body 204. In some embodiments, one or more weights can be included on or in a lower portion of the housing 105 (the lower portion of the housing referring to a portion of the housing 105 facing away from the surface of the water when the marker buoy is floating). In some embodiments, the weight comprises lead. A mount 210 may be affixed to the exterior of the housing 105 such that a number of attachments may be affixed to the marker buoy 100 in a number of various locations. Locking mechanism 222 may be configured to couple to the winding mechanism 310 at any location so that line 102 is prevented from feeding into or out of the device.
FIG. 6 is a front view of an example of a marker buoy 100 that can have one or more objects 603 coupled thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the marker buoy 100 includes a mount 210. An object 603 can be coupled to the mount 203 by an attachment component (“attachment”) 601, which can include one or more components. In some embodiments, the attachment 601 is a separate component. In other embodiments, the attachment 603 is integral to the object 603. In some embodiments, the object 603 can be a signaling device or other indicator that provides location information of the marker buoy 100. In this example, the object 603 is an indicator object, waterproof LED light, which is coupled to the mount 210 on the marker buoy 100. The LED light configured to be toggled on or off to alert an observer of the marker buoy's position. In this example, the LED light is coupled to the top portion of the marker buoy such that it is positioned above the mark buoy housing directed upward when the marker buoy 100 is deployed (e.g., on the surface of the water or under the surface of the water). In some embodiments, the marker buoy includes a mount that on a bottom portion of the marker buoy housing such that an indicator (e.g., a light) is pointed downward when the marker buoy is deployed and on the surface of the water or at a location under the surface of the water.
Various lights may be mounted into the marker buoy, one such example would be portable emergency lighting, for example, a VIP signal light from Adventure Lights. This light is both extremely durable and dependable as it is waterproof and is a flashlight, emergency flasher, and SOS survival beacon all in one package. One possible model of the light is the Gen 4 Mockingbird Model featuring five Dual Spectrum LED's (2 Infrared/3 Visible Green) with a four-position positive lock rotating dial. This model is the best of both worlds, featuring the modes of the Navy/NSW model and the Government model. The modes are available via reverse-polarity. That is, flipping the battery around to reverse polarity switches this model from Navy/NSW to Government modes.
In alternative embodiments to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 , the mount 210 may be positioned in various locations around the housing 105 of the marker buoy 100 including on the top, side, or bottom of the housing 105. The mount 210 may have a fitting that may be of many different shapes with the capability to accommodate different sized attachments.
In various embodiments, all components of the marker buoy 100 are comprised of a non-corrosive material such as plastic, nylon, stainless steel, carbon fiber, aluminum, or other non-conductive material. Components of the marker buoy may be corrosive resistant to prevent deterioration of the device in water with high salinity. Additionally, the marker buoy components are designed to withstand contact from boats or other large machinery that may be damaging to the device. Even further, components of the device will be durable and robust enough for applications in explosive-prone environments.
FIG. 7 is a representative front view of an alternative embodiment of a marker buoy according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the upper body 203 of the marker buoy 100 is constructed of a molded or printed housing 701 that may be filled with foam material 306 to ensure the housing 701 has buoyancy. The lower body 204 of this embodiment may be constructed of a solid material that is heavier to help the marker buoy 100 maintain proper orientation. This embodiment has a fitting 212 on the second end 215 of the upper body 203 for a drill to connect. The first end 214 of the upper body 203 has a modular threaded female fitting coupled to the internal shaft 302 to create a mount 210 or attachment point for external objects to couple to the marker buoy 100.
In alternative embodiments, the printed housing may use a polypropylene or other lightweight mixture to fill the air voids present in the housing, creating buoyancy. In some embodiments, the hollow polypropylene filled body will serve as the primary buoyancy and replace the need for the foam cutouts on the shaft.
The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.
Conditional language such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, are otherwise understood within the context as used in general to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
Headings are included herein for reference and to aid in locating various sections. These headings are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts described with respect thereto. Such concepts may have applicability throughout the entire specification.
Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description details certain embodiments. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the systems and methods should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the systems and methods with which that terminology is associated.
It will also be understood that, when a feature or element (for example, a structural feature or element) is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it may be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there may be no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown may apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.
Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, processes, functions, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, processes, functions, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as “/”.
In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of” or “one or more of” may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and/or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and/or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.
Spatially relative terms, such as “forward”, “rearward”, “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features due to the inverted state. Thus, the term “under” may encompass both an orientation of over and under, depending on the point of reference or orientation. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like may be used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.
As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing numeric values of magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical values given herein should also be understood to include about or approximately that value, unless the context indicates otherwise.
For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed that “less than or equal to” the value, “greater than or equal to the value” and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if the value “X” is disclosed the “less than or equal to X” as well as “greater than or equal to X” (e.g., where X is a numerical value) is also disclosed. It is also understood that the throughout the application, data is provided in a number of different formats, and that this data, may represent endpoints or starting points, and ranges for any combination of the data points. For example, if a particular data point “10” and a particular data point “15” may be disclosed, it is understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15 may be considered disclosed as well as between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units may be also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 may be disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 may be also disclosed.

Example Embodiments

Embodiment 1: A marker buoy comprising: an upper body having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface; a lower body that has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end is coupled to the upper body at a center portion of the first body and the lower body arranged in perpendicular alignment with the longitudinal axis, and the distal end having a line-feed aperture; a rotatable shaft having a first end and a second end, the rotatable shaft positioned in the upper body and aligned along the longitudinal axis of the upper body; a spool position in the upper body and coupled to the shaft to rotate with the shaft; a fitting coupled to the first end of the shaft and positioned outside the upper body, the fitting having one or more straight sides; a line wound onto the spool that extends through the proximal end of the lower body and exits the lower body through the line-feed aperture; a foam filler positioned within the upper body, the foam filler configured to provide positive buoyancy for the marker buoy; a mount coupled to the outer surface of the upper body; and a locking mechanism configured to prevent the shaft from rotating when employed.
Embodiment 2: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the line is braided or varies in thickness to increase the weight and strength of the line.
Embodiment 3: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the second end of the shaft is enhanced to create a grip for spinning by a user.
Embodiment 4: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the line is adapted to be attached to an object under the surface of the water.
Embodiment 5: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the marker buoy is comprised of a corrosion-resistant material.
Embodiment 6: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, further comprising a weight that is positioned within the upper body or the lower body to ensure the marker buoy maintains proper orientation.
Embodiment 7: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the upper body and the lower body are one component creating a single, unified housing.
Embodiment 8: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first aperture through the upper body and a second aperture through the first end of the shaft, the first aperture and the second aperture are alignable, wherein a removable locking pin is sized to fit through the first aperture and the second aperture when aligned.
Embodiment 9: The marker buoy of embodiment 8, further comprising a cable configured to the removable locking pin that wraps around the shaft to secure the removeable locking pin in place.
Embodiment 10: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the fitting has 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more straight sides.
Embodiment 11: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the spool has two spool ends to center the line on the shaft.
Embodiment 12: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the upper body and the lower body are molded from a buoyant material.
Embodiment 13: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the upper body and the lower body are cylindrical with diameters less than or equal to about 3 inches.
Embodiment 14: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the upper body has a length of 12 inches.
Embodiment 15: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the lower body extends from the upper body by 2 inches.
Embodiment 16: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the mount has threads for attaching additional components to the marker buoy.
Embodiment 17: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the upper body and the lower body are a molded housing.
Embodiment 18: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, further comprising a first seating point and a second seating point, wherein the shaft rests in the upper body on the first and the second seating points.
Embodiment 19: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein a GPS transducer, a light, or a radio may couple to the mount.
Embodiment 20: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the mount consists of a plurality of mounts coupled to the outer surface of the upper body.
Embodiment 21: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the upper body and the lower body are marked for increased visibility.
Embodiment 22: The marker buoy of embodiment 1, wherein the upper body and the lower body each contain a hollow cavity.
Embodiment 23: A system for marking an underwater object comprising: means for removably attaching a buoyant housing to a target object under a surface of water; means for disabling a locking mechanism configured to the buoyant housing, wherein the locking mechanism is preventing rotation of a shaft configured to spin and deploy a line; and means for releasing the buoyant housing to float to the surface of water while remaining attached to the target object by way of the line.
Embodiment 24: The system of embodiment 23, wherein the locking mechanism may be re-enabled to prevent the shaft from spinning and the deployment of the line is stopped.
Embodiment 25: The system of embodiment 23, further comprising means for rotating the shaft to wind the line back around the shaft.
Embodiment 26: The system of embodiment 23, wherein the buoyant housing is structured to maintain a specific orientation when released to float to the surface of water.
Although various illustrative embodiments have been disclosed, any of a number of changes may be made to various embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which various described method steps are performed may be changed or reconfigured in different or alternative embodiments, and in other embodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional or desirable features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for the purpose of example and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims and specific embodiments or particular details or features disclosed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A marker buoy comprising:

an upper body having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface;

a lower body that has a proximal end and a distal end having a line-feed aperture, the proximal end positioned at a center portion of the upper body and the lower body distal end extending away from the longitudinal axis;

a rotatable shaft having a first end and a second end, the rotatable shaft positioned in the upper body and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the upper body;

a spool positioned in the upper body and coupled to the shaft to rotate with the shaft;

a fitting coupled to the first end of the shaft and positioned outside the upper body;

a line wound onto the spool and extending through the proximal end of the lower body and the lower body distal end and out of the housing through the line-feed aperture;

at least one mount coupled to the outer surface of the upper body; and

a locking mechanism releasably coupled to the shaft for preventing the shaft from rotating.

2. The marker buoy of claim 1, wherein the upper body and the lower body each contain a cavity.

3. The marker buoy of claim 1, further comprising foam positioned within the upper body for providing positive buoyancy for the marker buoy.

4. The marker buoy of claim 1, wherein the lower body is formed integral with the upper body.

5. The marker buoy of claim 1, wherein the lower body proximal end is coupled to the upper body.

6. The marker buoy of claim 1, wherein the second end of the shaft extends from the upper body to turn the shaft manually.

7. The marker buoy of claim 1, further comprising a weight that is positioned to ensure the marker buoy maintains proper orientation.

8. The marker buoy of claim 7, wherein the weight is positioned in the lower body.

9. The marker buoy of claim 1, wherein the upper body and the lower body are one component creating a single, unified housing.

10. The marker buoy of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first aperture through the upper body and a second aperture through the first end of the shaft, the first aperture and the second aperture are alignable, wherein a removable locking pin is sized to fit through the first aperture and the second aperture when aligned.

11. The marker buoy of claim 10, further comprising a cable configured to the removable locking pin that wraps around the shaft to secure the removeable locking pin in place.

12. The marker buoy of claim 1, wherein the fitting has 1 or more straight sides.

13. The marker buoy of claim 1, wherein the spool comprises two spool ends extending away from the shaft farther then a portion of the spool between the two spool ends to center the line on the shaft.

14. The marker buoy of claim 1, wherein the upper body and the lower body are molded from a buoyant material.

15. The marker buoy of claim 1, wherein the upper body and the lower body are cylindrical with diameters less than or equal to about three inches.

16. The marker buoy of claim 1, wherein the upper body has a length of 12 inches.

17. The marker buoy of claim 1, wherein the lower body extends from the upper body at least one inch.

18. The marker buoy of claim 1, further comprising a first seating point and a second seating point, wherein the shaft rests in the upper body on the first and the second seating points.

19. The marker buoy of claim 1, wherein the at least one mount has threads for attaching components to the marker buoy.

20. A system for marking an underwater object comprising:

means for removably attaching a buoyant housing to a target object under a surface of water;

means for disabling a locking mechanism configured to the buoyant housing, wherein the locking mechanism is preventing rotation of a shaft configured to spin and deploy a line; and

means for releasing the buoyant housing to float to the surface of water while remaining attached to the target object by way of the line.