WO2012075512A2

WO2012075512A2 - Weight release mechanism for buoyancy compensator devices

Info

Publication number: WO2012075512A2
Application number: PCT/ZA2011/000093
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rhys James Couzyn
Original assignee: Rhys James Couzyn
Priority date: 2010-12-01
Filing date: 2011-12-01
Publication date: 2012-06-07
Also published as: WO2012075512A3; ZA201200237B

Abstract

A weight integration system for a buoyancy compensator vest, includes a pocket located on the buoyancy compensator vest for receiving a weight pouch containing weights. A weight release mechanism ensures that the weight pouch is securely retained within the pocket, but can be readily removed from the pocket when it is no longer required. The weight release mechanism comprises a magnetic fastener which includes at least one magnet contained in a first housing which is located on the outside of the pocket, towards its front end, and a corresponding attracted magnet located in a second housing on a strap extending from the weight pouch.

Description

WEIGHT RELEASE MECHANISM FOR BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR DEVICES

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a weight release mechanism for buoyancy compensator devices used in underwater diving.

BACKGROUND ART

Buoyancy compensators are used by divers to help offset changes in the buoyancy of the diver during the course of a dive. The deeper a diver dives, the less buoyancy he has due to the increased water pressure on the diver and the associated compression of his suit and equipment. Conversely, as the diver ascends or approaches the surface his buoyancy increases as the compression of his suit and other equipment recovers.

By increasing or decreasing the buoyancy provided by the buoyancy compensator, a diver can adjust his buoyancy to a neutral state and thus maintain a desired depth. This is achieved by either adding air to the buoyancy compensator or releasing air from the buoyancy compensator.

The buoyancy compensator typically consists of an inflatable vest like harness that the diver wears which attaches the compressed air cylinders to the diver's back.

In addition to the inflatable vest, weights are often used to assist in achieving neutral buoyancy. Originally, these weights were attached to a belt which was worn around the diver's hips or waist. The belt utilises a quick release mechanism to enable it to be released and dropped quickly in an emergency, allowing the diver to ascend more rapidly.

In more recent times, it has become common for the buoyancy compensator to incorporate a weight integration system, thus doing away with the need for a separate weight belt. It is important that these lead weights are able to be released quickly in an emergency.

The weight integration system generally consists of bottom or side opening pockets mounted on the vest and adapted to receive one or more lead weights, or more typically pouches containing the lead weights. The pockets are then releasably closed using either a hook and loop (Velcro) fastener, or a quick release fastener such as a mechanical buckle.

However, difficulties have been experienced with both the hook and loop closures and the mechanical buckles.

The hook and loop system loses much of it strength when in water, resulting in the pockets opening at inopportune times, and the weight pouches falling out and being lost. In addition, the adhesive power of the hook and loop system wears out over time with use, exacerbating the problem.

The mechanical buckles are generally very secure, but the diver may experience difficulties clipping the buckle into place, especially when he is kitted up in his cumbersome diving kit. Often the assistance of another person is required. Furthermore, the buckle often proves difficult to release in emergency situations, when time is critical and the diver may be starting to panic.

As a consequence, it is an object of this invention to provide a buoyancy compensator having a novel weight integration system which, at least partially, alleviates some of the abovementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention, there is provided a weight release mechanism for releasably securing a weight pouch in a pocket located on a buoyancy compensator vest, the mechanism including at least one magnetic fastener comprising first and second magnetically attractive bodies, the first magnetically attractive body being associated with the pocket; insertion of the weight pouch into the pocket permitting engagement of the magnetically attractive bodies to secure the weight pouch therein.

The magnetically attractive bodies may include a first magnet associated with the pocket and a corresponding second magnet of opposite polarity associated with the weight pouch.

Alternatively the magnetically attractive bodies may include a magnet associated with the pocket and a ferromagnetic body associated with the weight pouch.

Further alternatively the magnetically attractive bodies may include a magnet associated with the weight pouch, and a ferromagnetic body associated with the pocket. The mechanism may comprise a magnetic buckle, including at least one magnet housed in a first housing located on the outside of the pocket, and one or more corresponding magnets of opposite polarity housed in a second housing associated with the weight pouch.

Alternatively the mechanism may include at least one magnet housed in a first housing located on the outside of the pocket, and a ferromagnetic body located on a second housing associated with the weight pouch.

Alternatively the mechanism may include ferromagnetic body located on a first housing located on the outside of the pocket, and a magnet housed in a second housing associated with the weight pouch.

The second housing may be located on a strap extending from the weight pouch. Alternatively the second housing may be mounted on the front side of the weight pouch.

The buckle is configured for the magnets and or the magnet and the ferromagnetic body to be brought into alignment with one another and the magnetic attractive forces between them to cause engagement thus securing the magnetic buckle, when the weight pouch is fully inserted into the pocket.

The buckle may additionally include interengaging guiding formations located on the first and second housings to assist in alignment of the two magnets.

The interengaging guiding formations may include at least one male and female coupling to prevent unintended sideways forces from causing the magnets to slide apart and disengage.

The male and female coupling members may be configured to provide an additional mechanical connection between the two housings to contribute to the tensile strength of the magnetic buckle system.

The male member may include resiliently deformable prongs designed to fit through an aperture in the female connector in a spring-loaded snap fit action.

Alternatively, a resiliently deformable ridge or similar protrusion may be located along the length of the male member to enable a friction fit into the female connector.

Further alternatively, the male and female members may be retained in place by a pivotable cover. Further still, a resiliently deformable tongue element may be provided on one coupling to span the junction between the male and female couplings, the tongue element including a lip for releasably engaging a ridge formed on the other coupling.

A handle may be located on the weight pouch, for pulling the weight pouch out of the pocket. Preferably the handle is located on a strap extending from the weight pouch.

Alternatively the handle is integrated into the housing of the magnetic buckle located on the weight pouch.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention the magnetically attractive bodies include a first magnet associated with the pocket and a corresponding magnet of opposite polarity associated with a pocket closure means. It is possible to substitute either one of the magnets with a ferromagnetic body.

In further alternative or additional embodiment of the invention, the magnetically attractive bodies comprise one magnet located towards the rear of the pocket, and a corresponding attracted magnet located on the end of the weight pouch, insertion of the weight pouch into the pocket resulting in engagement of the magnets and securing of the weight pouch in the pocket. In this embodiment, either of the magnets may be substituted with a ferromagnetic body.

In this embodiment a handle is located at the front end of the weight pouch, for pulling the pouch out of the pocket.

It is envisaged that the weight release mechanism could comprise any one of these embodiments or any combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a representation of a buoyancy compensator vest incorporating one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a representation of a first embodiment of the invention,

Figure 3 is further representation of the first embodiment of the invention,

Figure 4 is a representation of a second embodiment of the invention,

Figure 5 is a further representation of the second embodiment of the invention, Figure 6 is a representation of a combination of the first and second embodiments of the invention, Figure 7 is a representation of a third embodiment of the invention,

Figure 8 is a representation of a fourth embodiment of the invention,

and

Figures 9 to 12 are representations of various embodiments of mechanical connections between the two housings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to figures 1 to 6, like features of the invention are indicated by like numerals.

Referring to figure 1 , a weight integration system for a buoyancy compensator vest (10), includes a pocket (14) located on the buoyancy compensator vest (10) for receiving a weight pouch containing weights (not shown). A weight release mechanism ensures that the weight pouch is securely retained within the pocket (14), but can be readily removed from the pocket ( 4) when it is no longer required.

Referring to figures 1 to 3, and in one embodiment of the invention, The weight release mechanism for releasably securing a weight pouch (12) in a pocket (14) located on a buoyancy compensator vest (10), comprises a buckle (16) which includes at least one magnet (18) contained in a first housing (17) which is located on the outside of the pocket (14), towards its front end, and a corresponding attracted magnet (20) located in a second housing (21) on a strap (22) extending from the weight pouch (12).

When the weight pouch (12) is fully inserted into the pocket (14), the magnet (20) located on the strap (22) extending from the weight pouch (12) extends out of the pocket opening, and engages with the magnet (18) located on the outside of the pocket (14). In this way the weight pouch (12) is retained in the pocket (14).

Male (24) and female (26) couplings are located on the side of the buckle (16) to help guide the magnets (18, 20) together and to prevent unintended sideways forces from causing the magnets to slide apart and disengage.

A handle (28) is located on the strap (22) extending from the weight pouch (12). When it is required to release the buckle (16) and remove the weight pouch (12) from the pocket (14), the diver pulls on the handle (28), thus forcibly disengaging the magnets (18 and 20) from one another, and at the same time pulling the weight pouch (12) out of the pocket (14). Referring to figures 4 & 5 and in an alternative embodiment of the invention, a magnet (30) is located at the operatively rear end (32) of the pocket (14), and a corresponding attracted magnet (34) is located on the end of the weight pouch (12).

When the weight pouch (12) is inserted into the pocket (14), the force of magnetic attraction draws the two magnets (30, 34) together, ensuring the correct placing and retention of the weight pouch (12) in the pocket (14).

A strap (22) is attached to the front end of the weight pouch (12) and extends out of the pocket (14). A handle (28) is located on the strap (22). When it is required to remove the weight pouch (12) from the pocket (14), the diver may pull on the handle (28), thus forcibly disengaging the magnets (30, 34) from one another and at the same time pulling the weight pouch (12) out of the pocket (14).

Referring to figure 6 it is possible to combine both sets of magnets (18, 20 and 30, 34), to ensure even more secure retention of the weight pouch (12) in the pocket (14).

Referring to figure 7, in an alternative embodiment of the invention the magnetic fastener (30) includes at least one magnet located in a first housing (32) attached to the pocket (14) and a corresponding magnet of opposite polarity located in a second housing (34) on a strap (36) extending from the underside (38) of the pocket. Once the weight pouch (12) has been inserted into the pocket (14), the user will pull the strap (36) over the mouth of the pocket and allow the magnets to engage. The strap acts to close the mouth of the pocket and prevent the weight pouch from accidentally falling out. A handle (40) is located on another strap (42) extending from the weight pouch (12). When it is required to remove the weight pouch (12) from the pocket (14), the diver may pull on the handle (40), causing the weight pouch (12) to be pulled against the strap (36) applying pressure to the magnets and subsequently causing them to disengage and release the fastener (30). In this manner the pocket (14) is opened and the weight pouch (12) easily removed.

Referring to figure 8, in a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the magnetic buckle includes at least one magnet (50) located in a housing (52) on the outside of the pocket (14) and a corresponding attracted magnet (not shown) located in a second housing (54) on the weight pouch (12), a slot (56) located in the pocket (14) permits the magnets in the second housing (54) to slide into engagement with the magnet/s in the first housing (52), thus retaining the weight pouch(12) in the pocket (14). A handle (58) is located on a strap (60) extending from the weight pouch for pulling the weight pouch out of the pocket. Referring to figure 9 the male coupling 24 includes a resiliently deformable ridge 70 to enable a friction fit into the female connector 26. The attraction between the magnets 18,20 is capable of overcoming the friction when closing the buckle 16, but to release the user would have to overcome mechanical friction as well as the magnetic attraction. The additional mechanical connection between the two housings contributes to the tensile strength of the magnetic buckle system.

Referring to figure 10 and in an alternative embodiment, resiliently deformable prongs 72 are located on the male member 24. Each prong 72 is designed to fit through an aperture 74 in the female connector 26 in a spring-loaded snap fit action, once again contributing to the tensile strength of the magnetic buckle system. The attraction between the magnets 18,20 is enables the buckle 16 to close, but to release the user would have to release the mechanical connection by compressing the prongs inwards.

Referring to figure 11 , in a further alternative mechanical connection, the prongs 76 are more rounded than those in figure 10 enabling the release of the mechanical connection on application of sufficient pulling force without the user being required to compress the prongs 76 inwards of the aperture 74. Once again, the magnets 18, 20 can overcome the snap fit to enable self closure, but in order to release, the user must overcome both magnetic and mechanical forces.

Referring to figure 12 and in a yet further alternative embodiment, the mechanical connection is shown to comprise a tongue element 78 extending from the one coupling to span the junction between the two housings 17, 21. The tongue element 78 includes a lip 80 for engaging a ridge 82 located on the female coupling, again providing a mechanical connection in addition to the magnetic engagement.

Numerous modifications to this embodiment are possible, without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the handle for pulling the weight pouch out of the pocket may be located on the weight pouch and not on a strap extending from the weight pouch.

The invention therefore provides a novel weight release mechanism for buoyancy compensator devices having buckles that effectively self-engage, assisting a user in engaging the weight system, potentially even one-handed and/or without visual reference. This is of particular importance to a diver once he is wearing cumbersome dive gear.

Ί

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A weight release mechanism for releasably securing a weight pouch in a pocket located on a buoyancy compensator vest, the mechanism comprising first and second magnetically attractive bodies, the first magnetically attractive body being associated with the pocket; characterised in that insertion of the weight pouch into the pocket permits engagement of the magnetically attractive bodies to secure the weight pouch therein.

2. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the magnetically attractive bodies include a first magnet associated with the pocket and a corresponding magnet of opposite polarity associated with the weight pouch.

3. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the magnetically attractive bodies include a magnet associated with the pocket and a ferromagnetic body associated with the weight pouch.

4. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the magnetically attractive bodies include a magnet associated with the weight pouch, and a ferromagnetic body associated with the pocket.

5. A weight release mechanism as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2 characterised in that the mechanism comprises a magnetic buckle, having at least one magnet housed in a first housing located on the outside of the pocket, and one or more corresponding magnets of opposite polarity housed in a second housing associated with the weight pouch.

6. A weight release mechanism as claimed in either of claims 1 or 3 characterised in that the mechanism comprises a magnetic buckle, having at least one magnet housed in a first housing located on the outside of the pocket, and a ferromagnetic body located on a second housing associated with the weight pouch.

7. A weight release mechanism as claimed in either of claims 5 or 6 characterised in that the second housing is located on a strap extending from the weight pouch.

8. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim either of claims 5 or 6 characterised in that the second housing is mounted on the front side of the weight pouch.

9. A weight release mechanism as claimed in any of claims 5 to 8 characterised in that the buckle is configured for the housings to be brought into alignment with one another so that the magnetic attractive forces between them cause engagement, thus securing the magnetic buckle, when the weight pouch is fully inserted into the pocket.

10. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 9 characterised in that the buckle additionally includes interengaging guiding formations located on the first and second housings to assist in alignment of the two housings.

11. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 10 characterised in that the interengaging guiding formations include at least one male and female coupling to prevent unintended sideways forces from causing the magnets to slide apart and disengage.

12. A weight release mechanism as claimed in either of claims 10 or 11 characterised in that the male and female coupling members are configured to provide an additional mechanical connection between the two housings to contribute to the tensile strength of the magnetic buckle system.

13. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 12 characterised in that the male member includes resiliently deformable prongs designed to fit through an aperture in the female connector in a spring-loaded snap fit action.

14. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 12 characterised in that the male coupling member includes a ridge or similar protrusion to enable a friction fit into the female connector.

15. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 12 characterised in that one coupling member is provided with a tongue element adapted to span the junction between the two couplings when engaged, the tongue member including a lip formation for releasably engaging a ridge formed on the other coupling member.

16. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 12 characterised in that the male and female members are retained in place by a pivotable cover.

17. A weight release mechanism as claimed in any of the abovementioned claims characterised in that a handle is located on the weight pouch, for pulling the weight pouch out of the pocket.

18. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 17 characterised in that the handle is located on a strap extending from the weight pouch.

19. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 17 characterised in that the handle is integraed into the housing of the magnetic buckle located on the weight pouch.

20. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the magnetically attract© bodies includes a first magnet associated with the pocket and a corresponding magnet of opposte polarity associated with a pocket closure means.

21. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the magnetically attracts bodies include a magnet associated with the pocket and a ferromagnetic body associated witf a pocket closure means.

22. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the magnetic magnetically attractive bodies include a magnet associated with a pocket closure means, and a ferromagnetic body associated with the pocket.

23. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the magnetically attractive bodies comprise one magnet located towards the rear of the pocket, and a corresponding attracted magnet located on the end of the weight pouch, insertion of the weight pouch into the pocket resulting in engagement of the magnets and securing of the weight pouch in the pocket.

24. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the magnetically attractive bodies comprise a magnet located towards the rear of the pocket, and a ferromagnetic body located on the end of the weight pouch, insertion of the weight pouch into the pocket resulting in magnetic attraction between the magnet and the ferromagnetic body and securing of the weight pouch in the pocket.

25. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the magnetically attractive bodies comprise a ferromagnetic body located towards the rear of the pocket, and a magnet located on the end of the weight pouch, insertion of the weight pouch into the pocket resulting in magnetic attraction between the magnet and the ferromagnetic body and securing of the weight pouch in the pocket.

26. A weight release mechanism as claimed in either of claims 23 or 24 characterised in that a handle is located at the front end of the weight pouch, for pulling the pouch out of the pocket.

19. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 17 characterised in that the handle is integrated into the housing of the magnetic buckle located on the weight pouch.

20. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the magnetically attractive bodies includes a first magnet associated with the pocket and a corresponding magnet of opposite polarity associated with a pocket closure means.

21. A weight release mechanism as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the magnetically attractive bodies include a magnet associated with the pocket and a ferromagnetic body associated with a pocket closure means.