Abstract:
Fluid activated retrieval devices for retrieving an object from a fluidic medium are presented including: a hollow base having a cavity formed therein, where the hollow base includes, a port disposed along an outer surface of the hollow base, the port configured to provide passage of the fluidic medium to the cavity, a diaphragm disposed along the cavity and proximate to the port, and an anchor disposed along the cavity for securing a line; a deployable float housing removably attached with the hollow base, the deployable float housing having another cavity formed therein, where the deployable float housing includes, a buoyant chamber disposed along a distal end of the other cavity, a spool for receiving the line, the spool disposed within the second cavity and attached with the deployable float housing; and a reactant disposed in the cavities.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM TO PROVISIONAL APPLICATION 
       [0001]    A claim for priority is hereby made under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §119 for the present application based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. No. 61/464,667 filed on Mar. 7, 2011 titled “UNDERWATER ACTIVATED SUBMERGED OBJECT RETRIEVAL DEVICE,” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/519,455 filed on May 23, 2011 titled “UNDERWATER ACTIVATED SUBMERGED OBJECT RETRIEVAL DEVICE,” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/626,396 filed on Sep. 26, 2011 titled “UNDERWATER ACTIVATED SUBMERGED OBJECT RETRIEVAL DEVICE,” all three of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present Applicant relates generally to retrieval devices for objects utilized in and around fluidic media. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Nearly everyone has dropped an object into water or some other fluidic medium and been unable to retrieve the object for any number of reasons. Sportsmen, for example, may spend significant time in or around water when boating or fishing. As is often the case, a fishing pole or some accessory may be inadvertently dropped in the water. The first response to dropping an object is to lunge forward to grab the object before it falls out of sight. Lunging may not be particularly desirable as the tendency to slip and injury oneself may be significant. Another response may be to enter the water to retrieve the object. However, a lone boater may be unwilling to enter the water for any number of safety related reasons. 
         [0004]    Over time, many devices have been developed to address this problem. Manufacturing issues, reliability issues, and size issues have all contributed to prevent development of an effective device for retrieving submerged objects. As such, fluid activated retrieval devices are presented herein. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below. 
         [0006]    As such, fluid activated retrieval devices for retrieving an object from a fluidic medium are presented including: a hollow base having a cavity formed therein, where the hollow base includes, a port disposed along an outer surface of the hollow base, the port configured to provide passage of the fluidic medium to the cavity, a diaphragm disposed along the cavity and proximate to the port, the diaphragm configured to selectively allow the fluidic medium to enter the cavity, and an anchor disposed along the cavity for securing a line; a deployable float housing removably attached with the hollow base, the deployable float housing having another cavity formed therein, where the deployable float housing includes, a buoyant chamber disposed along a distal end of the other cavity, a spool for receiving the line, the spool disposed within the second cavity and attached with the deployable float housing; and a reactant disposed in the cavities, the reactant responsive to the fluidic medium such that when the reactant comes into contact with the fluidic medium a reactant gas is generated. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the hollow base further includes: a mating portion for mating the hollow base with the deployable float housing, the mating portion disposed along one end of the hollow base, where the mating portion includes, a mating surface, a seal disposed circumferentially along the mating surface, the seal configured to provide a fluid-tight seal between the hollow base and the deployable float housing, and a raised annular feature disposed circumferentially along the mating surface. In some embodiments, the deployable float housing further includes an annular channel disposed circumferentially along the other cavity, where the annular channel is a recessed feature having a profile suitable for receiving the raised annular feature. In some embodiments, the profile includes a sloped portion disposed along an outer edge of the annular channel. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the hollow base further includes: a port passage disposed orthogonally to the at least one port, the port passage extending from the port to the outer surface. In some embodiments, the diaphragm further includes: a shore hardness in a range of approximately 40 to 80 shore; and a thickness in a range of approximately 0.01 to 0.1 inches, where the diaphragm is configured to selectively allow the fluidic medium to enter the first cavity at a pressure in a range of approximately 2 to 100 pounds per square inch (PSI). In some embodiments, the diaphragm is a material such as: a semi-flexible elastomeric compound, a flexible elastomeric compound, a silicone compound, a VITON elastomeric compound, a neoprene compound, a rubber compound, and a rubberized compound. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the hollow base further includes: a strap guide disposed along the outer surface for receiving an attaching strap; and legs disposed along the outer surface for raising the fluid activated retrieval assist device from an object surface. In some embodiments, the reactant includes a mixture such as: a citric acid/sodium bicarbonate mixture, a tartaric acid/sodium bicarbonate mixture, and an acetic acid/sodium bicarbonate mixture. In some embodiments, the reactant further includes an anti-agglomeration agent compatible with the reactant. In some embodiments, the reactant further includes a desiccating agent. In some embodiments, the fluidic medium includes: an aqueous medium, a petroleum based medium, and an organic solvent medium. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is an illustrative representation of a fluid activated retrieval device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is in illustrative representation of a hollow base of a fluid activated retrieval device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates representations of various fluid activated retrieval device configurations in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is an illustrative representation of deploying a fluid activated retrieval device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is an illustrative representation of a fluid activated retrieval device  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, an exploded view  110  of fluid activated retrieval device  100  is illustrated for clarity in understanding embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated, fluid activated retrieval device  100  includes several component parts or assemblies. Hollow base  112  may form a cavity into which several components may be housed including, for example, diaphragm  114  and anchor  116 . Hollow base configurations will be discussed in further detail below for  FIG. 2 . As illustrated, diaphragm  114  may be sized to partially flex when installed in hollow base  112 . The flexion provided by diaphragm embodiments, when installed properly, may serve to selectively allow fluidic media to enter the hollow base cavity whereupon the fluidic media interacts with a reactant in the hollow base cavity to produce a reactant gas. The reactant gas, in turn, produces a pressure sufficient to deploy the fluid activated retrieval device. In embodiments, the reactant gas produces a deploying pressure of at least 2-40 PSI in excess of surrounding environment pressure. Deployment of fluid activated retrieval device embodiments will be discussed in further detail below for  FIG. 4 . 
         [0017]    In embodiments, the diaphragm operates to maintain equalization between the interior of fluid activated retrieval device embodiments and surrounding fluidic media thereby effectively functioning as a check valve. In embodiments, diaphragms may have a hardness in a range of approximately 40 to 80 shore. In some embodiments, diaphragms may include a thickness in a range of approximately 0.01 to 0.1 inches. In other embodiments, diaphragms may be configured to selectively allow fluidic media to enter the hollow base cavity at a pressure in a range of approximately 2 to 100 pounds per square inch (PSI). In operation, diaphragms may be configured to enable fluidic media to enter the hollow base cavity at approximately 2 to 10 PSI above the initial internal pressure of the hollow base cavity. In embodiments, the initial internal pressure of the hollow base cavity at sea level is approximately one atmosphere. In embodiments, diaphragms may be composed of materials such as: a semi-flexible elastomeric compound, a flexible elastomeric compound, a silicone compound, a VITON elastomeric compound, a neoprene compound, a rubber compound, and a rubberized compound without limitation. 
         [0018]    Further illustrated is anchor  116  that may be housed in the hollow base cavity. Anchor  116  may be utilized to secure a line with hollow base  112 . In the embodiment shown, a press-fit star washer is illustrated. However, in other embodiments, a tab, a flange, or a perforated disc may be similarly utilized without limitations. In embodiments, lines may be secured to anchors or directly with hollow base cavity in any manner known in the art such as, for example: tying, welding, gluing and otherwise bonding. Further, in embodiments, lines may be composed of any material known in the art without limitation such as, for example: a polymeric material, a braided polymeric fiber, a nylon material, a KEVLAR material, a natural fiber, and a metal fiber. A suitable line may be selected based on any of several factors including type of fluidic medium, weight of object attached with fluid activated retrieval devices, and line length requirements. 
         [0019]    Still further as illustrated, deployable float housing  120  may be removably attached with hollow base  112  and may form a cavity into which components may be housed including, for example, spool  122 . In embodiments, spool  122  may include winding stop  124  disposed along an end of spool  122  and sealing flange  126  disposed along spool  122 . Winding stops may be shaped to secure lines (not shown) before deployment and to easily unwind lines during deployment. Furthermore, in embodiments, sealing flanges may be arranged to seal buoyant chamber  130  from deployable float housing cavity  134 . In some embodiments, buoyant chambers are empty and rely solely on an enclosed cavity for buoyancy. In other embodiments, buoyant chambers include a buoyant material such as, for example, a closed-cell foam material, a polystyrene foam material, a STYROFOAM material, and a cork material. Still further, in some embodiments, deployable float housing  120  may include spool receiver  134  for receiving spool  122 . It may be appreciated that in some embodiments, spool  122  is not configured to “spin” in order to unwind a spooled line. 
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is in illustrative representation of a hollow base  200  of a fluid activated retrieval device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, several views are provided for clarity in understanding embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated, hollow base  200  may include several features. For example, in embodiments, hollow base  200  may include one or more ports (not shown) configured to provide passage of fluidic media to the hollow base cavity. In some embodiments, one or more port passages  202  may be disposed orthogonally to the port (not shown) extending to the outer surface of hollow base  200 . In embodiments, port passages may improve resistance to clogging or fouling of ports. 
         [0021]    Hollow base  200  may further include mating portion  204  for mating hollow base  200  with deployable float housings as provided herein. Mating portion  204  may include, in embodiments, a mating surface having a number of features. One feature illustrated is seal  208  disposed circumferentially along the mating surface in an annular channel. In embodiments, seal  208  is configured to provide a fluid-tight seal between hollow base  200  and deployable float housings. In embodiments, seals may be an O-ring configuration composed of a material suitably compatible with a selected fluidic medium. Thus, for example, in an aqueous solution, an O-ring resistant to aqueous solutions may be utilized without departing from embodiments disclosed herein. Likewise, in a petroleum solution an O-ring resistant to petroleum solutions may be utilized without departing from embodiments disclosed herein. 
         [0022]    Another feature illustrated is raised annular feature  206  disposed circumferentially along the mating surface. Raised annular feature  206  may provide a “snap” connection with annular channel  220   a  and  220   b  disposed circumferentially along deployable float housing cavity—a portion of which is illustrated here. In embodiments, annular channel  220   a  and  220   b  include recessed features  212   a  and  212   b  respectively, each having a profile suitable for receiving the raised annular feature. As illustrated, recessed feature  212   a  has a matching profile for receiving raised annular feature  206 . Further as illustrated, recessed feature  212   b  has a partially sloped profile for receiving raised annular feature  206 . In this embodiment, the sloped portion of the feature may serve to “pull” raised annular feature  206  toward deployable float housing embodiments to provide an improved fitment. 
         [0023]    Still another feature illustrated is sloped portion  210 . In embodiments, sloped portion  210  may provide a guiding feature during assembly such that hollow base embodiments may be readily mated with deployable float housings embodiments. Further as illustrated, hollow base  200  is circular in cross-section. However, any number of base cross-sections may be utilized without departing from embodiments herein such as, a semicircular cross-section, an ovate cross-section, a semi-ovate cross-section, a rectangular cross section, and a semi-rectangular cross-section. In like manner, deployable float housing embodiments may include any number of housing cross-sections such as, a circular cross-section, a semicircular cross-section, an ovate cross-section, a semi-ovate cross-section, a rectangular cross section, and a semi-rectangular cross-section each selected to match base cross-sections. 
         [0024]    In addition to mating portion  204 , hollow base  200  further includes a number of legs  230 . In embodiments, legs may be useful for raising fluid activated retrieval devices from an object surface to improve deployment. In some embodiments, legs may provide longitudinal alignment when, for example, fluid activated retrieval devices are mounted on a curved surface such as a fishing pole or canister. Thus, leg embodiments may include a shape suitable for mounting with any number of objects or surfaces without departing from embodiments herein. In some embodiments, legs may further include pads, coatings, tabs, holes, or any number of structures suitable for improving object mounting. Further illustrated is strap guide  232  disposed along the outer surface of the hollow base for receiving an attaching strap or tie. Other attaching configurations will be discussed in further detail below for  FIG. 3 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  illustrates representations of various fluid activated retrieval device configurations in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 3  illustrates side views of several embodiments utilizing structures for receiving straps, ties, wire, rope, belts, or clamps to secure fluid activated retrieval devices to various objects. It may be appreciated that the figures illustrated are exemplary only and not intended to be limiting as fluid activated retrieval devices may be mounted to objects in any number of ways known in the art without departing from embodiments provided herein: that is with or without strap guides. For example, in embodiments not shown, fluid activated retrieval devices may be bonded, glued, bolted, riveted, screwed, or welded to an object without limitation. As illustrated, fluid activated retrieval device  300  includes strap guide  302  that may be integrated with leg  304  for receiving a securing element such as straps, ties, wire, rope, belts, or clamps. Further as illustrated fluid activated retrieval device  310  includes two or more strap guides  312  that may be integrated with leg  314  for receiving a securing element such as straps, ties, wire, rope, belts, or clamps. Further as illustrated fluid activated retrieval device  320  includes two or more strap guides  322  that may be utilized in combination with leg  324  for receiving a securing element such as straps, ties, wire, rope, belts, or clamps. Still further as illustrated fluid activated retrieval device  330  includes two or more strap guides  332  that may be integrated with leg  334  for receiving a securing element such as straps, ties, wire, rope, belts, or clamps. 
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is an illustrative representation of deploying a fluid activated retrieval device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. At a first step  400 , fluid activated retrieval device  404  is illustrated prior to deployment and mounted on object  402 . Reactant  406  is illustrated as being dispersed throughout the fluid activated retrieval device. As contemplated herein, a reactant may be selected to interact with a particular fluidic medium to produce a reactant gas. In embodiments, a reactant may include a mixture such as: a citric acid/sodium bicarbonate mixture, a tartaric acid/sodium bicarbonate mixture, and an acetic acid/sodium bicarbonate mixture. In one preferred embodiments, the citric acid/sodium bicarbonate mixture includes a formula of 50% citric acid (C 6 C 8 O 7 ) and 50% sodium bicarbonate (CHNaO 3 ). It may be appreciated that since the reactant is dispersed through the fluid activated retrieval device an anti-agglomeration agent compatible with the reactant may be included to prevent caking in some embodiments. Still further, in some embodiments, the reactant may further include a desiccating agent to prevent unwanted reactions due to any residual humidity remaining in the fluid activated retrieval device during assembly. 
         [0027]    At a next step  410 , fluidic media  412  is represented as entering the fluid activated retrieval device  404  through port passages and ports. Fluidic media, as disclosed herein may include any number of mediums such as, an aqueous medium, a petroleum based medium, and an organic solvent medium without departing from embodiments disclosed herein. As noted above, diaphragm embodiments, when installed properly, may serve to selectively allow fluidic media to enter the hollow base cavity whereupon the fluidic media interacts with a reactant in the hollow base cavity to produce a reactant gas. At a step  420 , reactant gas  424  is illustrated as having produced a pressure sufficient to deploy ( 422 ) the fluid activated retrieval device. In embodiments, the reactant gas produces a deploying pressure of at least 2-40 PSI in excess of surrounding environment pressure. Once the fluid activated retrieval device is deployed, deployable float housing  432  rises to surface  434 . During the rise to the surface, line  436  is deployed. Deployable float housing  432  may then be retrieved whereupon object  402  may be retrieved. 
         [0028]    While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall Within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, any method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Further, the Abstract is provided herein for convenience and should not be employed to construe or limit the overall invention, which is expressed in the claims. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.