Hands free signal device

• US 20020050243A1
• Filed: 06/06/2001
• Published: 05/02/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Stephen B. Frink
• Original Assignee: Stephen B. Frink
• Inventors: Frink, Stephen B.
• Granted Patent: US 6,688,253 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 116/210
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 11/26 Communication means, e.g. means for signalling the presence of diverselectric communication in general H04

Abstract

A hands free signal device for use in conjunction with a scuba system. The hands free signal device includes an inflatable member engaged with an inflation source. The inflation source, for example, can be a tank of compressed air commonly used in scuba diving or can be a smaller, self-contained cylinder of carbon dioxide. The signaling device is adapted for use in conjunction with a scuba diving buoyancy compensation jacket and is activated by pulling on a cord within easy reach of the scuba diver.

Claims

1. A hands free signal device comprising:

an inflatable member defining an internal volume; and

a fitting having an inflation end and a connection end;

said inflation end connected to said inflatable member, said connector end removably attached to a BCD;

said fitting further comprising a valve, said valve connected to an inflation source and operable to allow communication from said inflation source to internal volume;

and an actuator, said actuator selectively opening and closing said valve to allow communication between said internal volume and said inflation source.

2. The hands free signal device of claim 1, wherein said inflation source is a cylinder of compressed gas.

3. The hands free signal device of claim 2, wherein said cylinder of compressed gas is a scuba tank.

4. The hands free signal device of claim 1 further comprising a hose, said hose having an inflation end and a source end, said inflation end connected to said valve and said source end connected to a low pressure port of a first stage of a regulator;

said first stage connected to said inflation source.

5. The hands free signal device of claim 1, wherein said valve is a one way valve.

6. The hands free signal device of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a pull cord and wherein a force exerted on the pull cord opens said valve to cause the inflatable member to inflate.

7. The hands free signal device of claim 1, wherein the inflatable member is a balloon.

8. The hands free signal device of claim 1, wherein the inflatable member comprises:

a plurality of cells, each cell defining an internal volume, the internal volumes being in communication with each other; and

is at least one semi rigid support member attached to a peripheral edge of each cell.

9. The hands free signal device of claim 1, further comprising a radio transponder, wherein the transponder is activated by inflating the inflatable member.

10. The hands free signal device of claim 1, further comprising a base connected to said connection end.

11. The hands free signal device of claim 10, wherein said base comprises a fastener selected from the group consisting of a velcro strip, a clamp, a snap, a button, a hook, a ring and a zipper.

12. The hands free signal device of claim 1, wherein said inflation source is a canister of compressed carbon dioxide.

13. The hands free signal device of claim 1, wherein said inflatable member maintains a first shape when uninflated and a second shape when inflated.

14. The hands free signal device of claim 13, wherein said first shape is a rolled coil and wherein said second shape is an elongate tube with a substantially cylindrical profile.

15. The hands free signal device of claim 1, wherein said valve is a buoyancy compensation device overflow valve.

16. A self deploying signaling system comprising:

a buoyancy compensation device attached to an inflation source;

an inflatable signaling device adapted to engage with said inflation source and mounted to said buoyancy compensation device.

17. An inflatable hands free signaling device comprising:

a base adapted to attach to a scuba buoyancy compensation device, said base including a fitting adapted to engage with said scuba regulator hose, said fitting including a one way valve;

a collapsible balloon attached to said base and in communication with said fitting; and

an actuator adapted to open and close said valve.

18. A method of signaling a boat comprising:

actuating a valve of a hands free signaling device wherein said hands free signaling device is removably attached to a BCD;

causing pressurized gas to inflate an elongate balloon of said hands free signaling device; and

maintaining said elongate balloon substantially vertical with respect to the surface of the water without the operator having to hold said hands free signaling device in their hand.