Automatic diver identification unit

An automatic diver identification unit for providing motorized and multi-directional surface movement relative to a position of an underwater diver and to identify the position of a diver at the surface of a body of water. The automatic diver identification unit includes a buoyant main body portion having at least one interior chamber. An electronic control system is included within the automatic diver identification unit, and includes a diver movement detection switch. The unit operates to provide automated adjustment of a dive line relative to a signal received indicating the depth of the underwater diver. A propulsion means interconnected with the electronic control system identifies movement of the underwater diver and positions the unit above the diver. An identification signal identifies the location of the unit to other persons at the surface of a body of water.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Underwater divers, particularly scuba divers, often utilize a diver identification means, typically a dive flag, on a float to indicate the position of the diver at the water's surface while he or she is beneath the surface of a body of water. As the dive flag is intended to indicate the position of the diver at the surface of the water, dive flags are commonly attached to floats which have sufficient buoyancy to maintain the flag's position at the surface of the water.

Current diver identification units generally consist of a float, such as a buoy or inflatable tube, with a dive flag mounted thereon so that the flag may be easily seen by others as the float sits on the water's surface.

A dive line, rope or lanyard is also used in conjunction with the flag, float and the diver. One end of the dive line is attached to the float, while the other end is attached to or held by a diver. Divers commonly have a reel or line holder that they will hold onto or somehow attach to the diver that allows the dive line to be taken in or out. As the diver descends, the diver unwinds the line from the reel. Conversely, as the diver ascends, the diver must reel in or rewind the dive line around the holder.

During descent, it is desirable to maintain the identification means generally directly above the diver so that boats or other surface dangers are able to ascertain the location of the diver and the diver can safely dive. However, as the diver descends and the dive line is unwound from the holder, normal wave action will move the float away from the diver. Movement of the float away from the diver occurs at a greater rate when slack is present in the dive line and/or when there is intense wave action due to wind or tides. When the diver wishes to move the identification means to the more desirable position of being located substantially directly above the diver, the diver must reel in or rewind the dive line around the holder to take up the slack and thus pull the float towards the diver. Pulling the float buoy to the proper position while underwater can compromise the safety of the diver as a risk of entanglement in the dive environment may ensue.

Generally, it takes both hands of the diver to reel in or rewind the dive line around a reel or holder. Therefore, a diver is momentarily incapacitated and wastes dive time in order to maintain his or her safety. Additionally, since both hands of a diver are required to modify the position of the float, the diver may become disoriented or may be unaware of other activities in the environment, such as currents, dangerous animals or dangerous geologic features that may even further compromise the safety of the diver. Thus, it can be seen that the requirement of maintaining the dive line generally directly above the diver using conventional equipment makes the dive experience cumbersome and awkward.

Herein is disclosed a hands free flotation device for use in diving. The hands free flotation device disclosed may be described as a diver identification unit that provides motorized and multi-directional surface movement of the unit that supports an identification means for visual identification of an underwater diver's location at the surface of a body of water. The automatic diver identification unit disclosed herein further provides motorized adjustment of a dive line releasably connected to an underwater diver. The motorized movements of the automatic diver identification unit are controlled by an electronic control system and/or sensors, triggers or relays that instruct electrical motors such that the diver identification unit maintains a position substantially above a diver at the surface of a body of water while the diver is submerged.

The unit provides 360° directional movement at the surface of the body of water, based on vertical and horizontal relationships between the unit and the diver. Movement is executed through an automatic motor response that communicates with a propulsion device to drive the movement of the unit on the surface of the water.

The motorized, automatic dive line adjustment is based on the vertical relationship between the automatic diver identification unit and the diver. The dive line is retracted or released by an automatic motor response to sensor and/or trigger inputs. In this manner, a slack-free dive line is maintained between the diver and the unit.

The characteristics and response time of both the propulsion movement and the dive line adjustment is modifiable and programmable by a user of the unit. In this manner, the unit can be adjusted to fit the conditions of the dive environment.

The automatic diver identification unit is also designed for extra storage of articles and items of a diver's choice. The unit is portable, such that a single person can transport the unit from his or her vehicle to the dive site.

Thus, the automatic diver identification unit disclosed herein provides the advantage of hands free diving with an automatic slack free dive line and automatic location adjustment of the unit to maintain a vertical orientation substantially directly above the diver. Through the use of the automatic diver identification unit, a diver need not become preoccupied with maintaining vertical orientation of a float and further need not become preoccupied with safety concerns such as entanglement or disorientation. Therefore, the disclosed automatic diver identification unit increases the safety of divers while further enhancing the diver's dive time and dive experience.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly realized through the detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the brief description of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first toFIGS. 1 and 4, the automatic diver identification unit2is demonstrated as a hands free flotation device that supports an identification means7of a diver's location when the diver5is participating in underwater diving activities. The automatic diver identification unit2comprises a main body portion4having an outer surface6and an inner surface8. The main body portion4has sufficient buoyancy to maintain the unit2in an upright position on the surface11of a body of water. The automatic diver identification unit2may include at least one stabilizing flotation member10attached to the main body portion4. In one embodiment, the unit includes two flotation members10that are cylindrical in shape with an elongated longitudinal axis and are constructed of a hollow, air tight, waterproof plastic tube. Alternatively, the flotation means10may be constructed other durable flotation material, for example, a fiberglass or foam. In an embodiment disclosed inFIGS. 2,3and4, the flotation means10are attached to the main body portion4via hinged, rigid braces12. Rigid braces12are preferably made of durable aluminum-based material, but may also be made out of a plethora of other materials, including durable plastics, fiberglass, carbon fiber or stainless steel and is only limited by the manufacturer's preference. In yet another embodiment, the floats10may be removable by a diver if desired to accommodate the unit2for particular dive conditions. A dive line14is attached to the main body portion4.

The identification means7of the automatic diver identification unit2is removable and comprises a signal to identify the location of the unit2when it is positioned at the surface of a body of water11and the diver5is diving at a location substantially directly below the unit2. In one embodiment, the signal is a visual signal and may include, for example, and without limitation, a conventional dive flag, a light, or other visual signals designed to attract one's sense of sight. In another embodiment, the signal may be an audio signal, for example, and without limitation, a siren or other auditory alert signal to attract one's auditory senses. In yet another embodiment, the signal may be a combination visual and audio signal. In still another embodiment, the signal to identify the location of the unit2may be a radio signal or satellite signal, such as a global positioning satellite signal, either alone or in combination with a visual and/or audio signal.

Referring toFIG. 2, therein the diver identification unit2is demonstrated in a closed position for transport. In one embodiment, the unit2includes a handle16such that a diver may carry the unit2from one location to another location. Preferably, the handle16operates in conjunction with a flexible diver depth detection arm18such that when the unit2is in position for transportation, the diver depth detection arm18is in a closed position that is parallel with the main body4of the diver identification unit2. A lock pin70is used to secure the arm18in the locked position. In this manner, the arm18is secured longitudinally along a dorsal surface32of the main body4. When arm18is secured in the locked position, the carrying handle16is in an appropriate condition for use. Accordingly, when the arm18is secured in a locked position, the diver may easily grasp handle16such that the diver can carry the entire automatic diver identification unit2, including the stabilizing flotation means10, from one location to another location.

Referring toFIG. 3, the automatic diver identification unit2, in one embodiment, locates stabilizing flotation means10on both sides of the main body4. Referring now toFIGS. 2-5, in this embodiment, the main body4is generally cylindrical in shape and has a lengthened longitudinal axis. As aforementioned, the stabilizing floats10may also be generally cylindrical with an elongated longitudinal axis. As demonstrated inFIG. 3, the longitudinal axis of the stabilizing floats10are aligned relative to the main body4such that the longitudinal axis of the stabilizing floats10are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main body4of the diver identification unit2.

The diver identification unit2further includes a generally anterior portion28and a posterior portion30, as well as a dorsal surface32and a ventral surface34. The posterior portion30of the diver identification unit includes a threaded cap40that may be removed to access inner surface8of the main body portion for storage of a power source, such as a battery48, and also includes space for storage for other material that a diver may find necessary to store within the unit2. The dorsal surface32includes a diver movement detection switch unit26, the flexible diver depth detection arm18, the handle16, electrical control module36and depth detection arm module38. Additionally, the dorsal surface32includes an on/off switch20included within control module36which is used to activate the automatic functions of the automatic diver identification unit2. It is contemplated that the on/off switch may be replaced with a waterproof operator interface control panel mounted such that visualization or interaction with the control panel may be accomplished at any time without having to access the inside of the dive unit. Such a control panel would be used for displaying information and functions in use, as well as serving as the interface to control or manipulate functions. Displayed information may include, but is not limited to, items such as “main power on/off”, “battery life”, “propulsion speed low (waves<2 feet)”, “propulsion delay (seconds)”, “dive line adjustment delay (seconds)”, “starboard utility light”, “port utility light”, “center utility light”, “strobe light”, “reel in line manually”, “surface swim propulsion on/off,” or virtually any other function of the unit2that may be contemplated by a manufacturer of the unit as desirable for a diver.

The ventral surface includes propulsion unit24that allows for motorized multi-direction surface movement of the diver identification unit2, as further described below. Propulsion unit24is connected to conduit42which is, in turn, connected to an outlet44of the propulsion unit. The propulsion unit24further includes intake46wherein water is drawn into intake46, cycled through propulsion unit24, out through conduit42and subsequently through outlet44to drive the diver identification unit2forward based on a response triggered from directional movement of the dive line14. The propulsion unit24, in one embodiment, includes an output force control that allows a user to set the output force of the propulsion unit at a desired setting. The output force control may be a manually adjusted control located on the unit24or, alternatively, the output force control may be incorporated in electronic control36. The propulsion unit24, in another embodiment, includes a control delay capable of suspending propulsion in response to a signal indicating that the diver5is approaching the unit2. The propulsion unit24is preferably a water pump of the type generally described above; however, it is contemplated that alternative propulsion means may be used in conjunction with diver identification unit2described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Alternative propulsion means may include a mechanical propeller or impeller, or any other propulsion means sufficient to drive the diver identification unit2through a body of water.

As previously described above, the posterior portion30of the automatic diver identification unit2includes a threaded cap40for access to the interior surface8of the main body portion4. The cap40is designed to be water-tight. While it is preferred that the threaded end cap40provide means of access to the interior portion8of the main body4, it is contemplated that access to the interior8may be provided by various alternate means, including, but not limited to: water-tight access doors, hatches or ports. The interior surface8at the posterior portion30of the main portion4comprises a sealed, water-tight compartment50for storage of the battery48and possibly other materials during use of the unit2. The sealed water-tight compartment50includes threads that interact with threaded end cap40to provide a fluid tight seal of the compartment50. In this manner, the battery48and other materials such as a diver's personal belongings may be placed in the compartment50and with threaded end cap40securely attached thereto, the automatic diver identification unit2provides a fluidly sealed storage area for a source of energy (e.g., battery48) without concern that the energy source will be exposed to the elements, particularly water. Sealed compartment50may further include insulation54to provide thermal insulation, as well as fluid insulation of the sealed compartment50.

Referring now toFIGS. 1,4and5, therein is demonstrated the automatic diver identification unit2in its extended position for use on the surface of a body of water. When extended, the flexible diver depth detection arm18is raised and the dive line14is threaded therethrough. In one embodiment, the arm18includes three sets of rollers58at the anterior end of the arm18. One of skill in the art will realize that any number of rollers58may be used and the decision as to the number of rollers used is based on a manufacturer's preference. The dive line14is threaded between rollers58and a diver movement detection switch unit26, located on the anterior end28of the main body portion4. Detection switch unit26is attached to a mount60that includes an opening62from which dive line14is dispensed and further includes a second series of rollers64through which the dive line14is threaded. Accordingly, the dive line is threaded from dive line dispensing opening62upwardly through rollers58of the flexible diver depth detection arm18and downwardly through rollers64of detection switch unit26.

The purpose of the flexible diver depth detection arm18, in conjunction with rollers58and64, is to allow for movement of the arm18relative to the main body portion4in response to diver movement. However, rollers58and64in conjunction with flexible arm18allows for a shock absorbing action resulting from waves as well as a predetermined amount of minimal diver movement, without triggering an automatic dive line adjustment function of the unit, and without applying noticeable force onto the diver5, all while preventing slack in the dive line14. Tension spring68is adjustable and pulls the dive arm up towards the vertical position. An increase in diver depth pulls the arm18down thus increasing spring tension. When diver decreases depth, the spring68pulls the arm18upwardly thus removing any slack in the dive line14. Rollers58and64in combination with dive line14act as a pulley system, allowing for a predetermined change in diver depth without running a dive line adjustment drive55and at the same time reducing the line force or pull on the diver. Thus, as the arm18moves as a result of the force exerted on the rollers58and64by the dive line14, the adjustable tension spring68allows for mechanical control of the latitude given to the diver before any electronic line adjustment is made.

The flexible diver depth detection arm18is attached to the main body4of the diver identification unit2at the dorsal surface32at the posterior portion30of the unit2at depth detection arm module38. The depth detection arm module38includes a fulcrum66that engages and supports flexible depth detection arm18. Fulcrum66is further attached to spring68to allow for the arm18to be tensioned in a manner that it is capable of absorbing the shock from wave action and maintaining dive line14tension while also responding to diver movement. As will be realized by those of skill in the art, other means of attaching and tensioning the arm18may be utilized without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example and without limitation, the fulcrum66may comprise any means for pivotal attachment, while the tension may be provided by springs, pulleys, elastomeric belts and the like.

Referring again toFIG. 5, electronic control module36is located on the dorsal surface32of the main body portion4. Electronic control module36includes a removable top cover37for access to the electronic controls39of the diver identification unit2. The electronic controls39function to manage the propulsion movement, as well as the motorized automatic dive line adjustment of the automated diver identification unit2. The electrical controls39, in one embodiment, include programmable software control and an electrical signal exchange. The electrical signal exchange operates in conjunction with the programmable software control, the diver depth detection arm18(and arm module38), and diver movement detection switch27to manage the action of the dive line adjustment features and the propulsion movement of the automatic diver identification unit2. Those of skill in the art will realize that a multitude of other control methods may be incorporated with the features of the unit2described herein to achieve equivalent functionality without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 9, the direction of the unit's surface movement is controlled via diver movement detection switch27, located within detection switch unit26, in response to the directional pull or force exerted on the dive line14resulting from the movement of the diver. Detection switch unit26functions such that when the diver moves horizontally in relation to the unit2, such horizontal movement is recognized by the switch27. In response to the horizontal movement being sensed, the detection switch unit26sends a signal to the electronic controls39of the unit. The electronic controls39then relay an activation signal to the propulsion unit24to activate propulsion unit24and move the unit2accordingly such that unit2is maintained in a position substantially directly above the diver5. In one embodiment, the control system39includes a control delay that delays the relay of the activation signal to the propulsion unit24for a predetermined period of time.

In operation, when the diver5is located in a position substantially directly below the diver identification unit2, the dive line14is at a normal position relative to the detection switch unit26. When the diver moves at an angle away from a location substantially directly below the unit2, corresponding movement of the dive line14is sensed by the detection switch unit26. The electronic controls are programmed such that when the dive line14is at a predetermined angle from the normal position, the signal is sent to the control unit to activate the propulsion unit. The predetermined angle may be set at as small an angle as 0.5° and as large an angle as 89.5°, depending on the environmental conditions encountered during the dive experience.

Still referring toFIG. 9, the diver movement detection switch27, in one embodiment, is further comprised of a sensor72, a line angle detection flag76, line guide74, and a line guide bracket75. The line angle detection flag76is connected to the line guide74. The line guide74, in conjunction with the line guide bracket75, swivel to match the angle of the dive line14to the dive unit2. As the diver moves away from a location substantially directly beneath the unit2, the angle between the dive line and the unit increases. When the angle between the dive line and the unit reaches the set and predetermined angle, as discussed above, the detection flag76triggers the sensor72which activates the propulsion unit24via relay through the electronic control39. Preferably, the sensor is a light-beam sensor comprised of an emitter and receiver. The flag76, when it reaches the appropriate angle, obstructs the light beam causing a signal indicating diver movement to be sent to the control unit39.

Referring now toFIGS. 6-8, electronic controls39also manage the motorized, automatic adjustment of the dive line14based on the vertical relationship between the automatic diver identification unit2and the diver5. In one embodiment, the dive line14is retracted or released via an automatic motor response sensed by the control system39through diver movement triggers122,124and126in conjunction with arm position flag128. When vertical movement (i.e., upwardly toward the surface of the water or downwardly toward the bottom of the body of water), is sensed through the diver movement triggers122,124and126, a signal is sent to the electronic controls39to actuate a dive reel drive unit55and cause dive line14to be either retracted or released. In this manner, a slack free dive line14is maintained between the diver and the automatic diver identification unit2.

Referring toFIG. 5, spool compartment cavity86includes reel drive unit55that is functionally connected to the electronic controls39. In operation, diver movement triggers122,124and126are attached to a sensor mounting support129, as demonstrated inFIGS. 6-8. When the flexible diver detection arm18moves, fulcrum66likewise moves and, in turn, imparts movement on arm position flag128to interact with triggers122,124and126. When arm position flag128is aligned with trigger124, a “stop” signal is relayed to the electrical controls and either a stop signal or no signal, depending on the configuration chosen by the manufacturer, is sent to reel drive unit55. Triggers122or126relay “retract” or “unwind” signals to the reel drive unit55, again depending on the configuration chosen by the manufacturer. For use of discussion, trigger122is hereby designated as the “unwind” trigger and trigger126is designated as the “retract” trigger. When a diver5dives to a greater depth, the diver exerts tension on the dive line14, movement is imparted on arm18that causes the arm position flag128to move from trigger124to “unwind” trigger122, which relays a signal through the electronic control to the reel drive unit55to release line14from spool84. Conversely, as demonstrated inFIG. 7, when a diver5moves upwardly toward the surface of the water, slack forms in the dive line14and tension is removed causing arm position flag128to move to the “retract” trigger126, which relays a signal to through the electrical control to the reel drive unit55to wind dive line14onto spool84. In one embodiment, the controls39incorporate a delay for dive line adjustment. The delay operates to suspend the “retract” or “unwind” signals sent to the reel drive unit55for a predetermined period of time.

In operation, when a diver5ascends upwardly toward the surface11of a body of water, the unit2retracts the dive line14until a safety stop (not shown) reaches a bottom surface77of the line guide74. The safety stop is affixed to the dive line14at a predetermined and adjustable distance from the diver. When the safety stop reaches the bottom surface77of the line guide74, the line guide74is pushed upwardly, a demonstrated inFIG. 9, moving the line angle detection flag76out of the range of sensor72, regardless of the angle, thereby ensuring that propulsion unit24is stopped.

It is foreseen that unit2could be modified and used to assist a diver to surface swim, such a when a diver might be surface swimming to a dive site or surface swimming back to a dive boat or the shore at the end of a dive. With this modification, the unit will have a power on/off control for the diver surface swim assist function, and a dual-trigger handle system will be incorporated so that a diver may grasp and hold onto the unit while controlling and triggering the propulsion system.

While several forms of the invention have been shown and described herein, other forms will now be apparent to those of skill in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiment shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims which follow as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.