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.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a signaling device, and more particularly, to a hands free signaling device for scuba divers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Scuba (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving has continued to grow in popularity over the last decade and has rapidly progressed from a sport enjoyed only by a select group of people to an activity in which the entire family can participate. The predominance of privately run scuba certification classes around the country and abroad has tremendously increased the diving population over the recent years. In addition to the recreational aspects of the sport, scuba diving continues to be practiced for many commercial, technical, scientific and military purposes. 
     Coastal vacation resorts often offer a range of available courses for those who wish to experience scuba diving. These courses range from an introductory resort course, where a new diver can take a quick orientation lesson and then be accompanied by an experienced guide into an open water environment, to a week long scuba certification program, where the diver receives a certification card and is then capable of unsupervised diving. These certification courses are often endorsed by one of several national scuba organizations. As a result, private dive companies typically have a large percentage of beginner or first time scuba divers under their supervision. 
     When properly trained, scuba diving is a safe and enjoyable sport. However, there are certain inherent risks associated with scuba diving that will always need to be addressed. These risks must be addressed by both the individual scuba divers and the dive operators who are supervising the trip. Even on a short dive, a scuba diver can cover a large area and lose his sense of direction very easily. Furthermore, underwater navigation can be confusing, particularly for a beginning scuba diver. Poor visibility, bad weather, strong water currents and various other factors can result in a diver becoming separated from the dive leader. It is not uncommon for a scuba diver to surface several hundred yards away from the rest of the dive group or the dive boat. In these cases it becomes essential to quickly locate the missing diver so that he can be retrieved or otherwise rescued. 
     Various signaling devices have been developed for such situations. However, many of these devices have relied upon audible signals, such as whistles or horns. These audible signaling devices require some level of manual dexterity to activate and may not successfully attract the attention of a boat which has twenty to thirty other noisy divers on board. This, in combination with the boat noise and normal environmental noise, renders most of these devices ineffective. A novice diver may not feel comfortable removing his air source (regulator) from his mouth in order to blow a whistle or may not have the strength to activate another audible device. Muscle cramps, fatigue or other injuries may further prevent a diver from activating such a device. Even audible devices which operate on the remaining air pressure in a scuba tank may be ineffective. If the air pressure in the tank is running low, which is typically the case at the end of a dive, there may not be enough pressure to sustain an audible sound for a long enough period of time. The low air pressure may not even activate such a device at all. 
     Other inflatable signaling devices require the diver to remove the inflatable device from a pocket in the buoyancy control device (BCD) or unclip it from a BCD. After removing the inflatable device from its storage location, the diver must locate the inflation opening and manually connect the inflatable devices to some air source, either an alternative air source (e.g., a SPAREAIR™ bottle or the octopus). When the diver is exhausted and panicky, this is not the optimal procedure. 
     It is not only the novice diver who must be conscious of these problems. Experienced divers, even those with substantial specialized training, must frequently signal a boat or a rescue team which may be far away from their surfacing location. In particular, an underwater photographer, rescue diver, commercial maintenance diver, or other diver who carries various pieces of extra equipment, may not have a free hand to easily allow him to activate an audible signaling device or inflate other devices. While experienced, typically, these types of divers will also have expended significant energy during the dive and are also susceptible to incidences of fatigue or injury. Furthermore, if an experienced diver is in trouble or surfaces far from the boat, it is more likely that there will be rough water at the surface. Particularly in these circumstances it will be difficult to activate an audible signaling device or inflate other devices that require user interaction. 
     The need exists for a signaling device which requires minimal user intervention to activate, will maintain a signal for a prolonged period of time and can be noticed at a distance with large swells. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises a hands free signaling device and method for signaling with minimal manual intervention. A preferred embodiment of one aspect of the invention comprises an inflatable member and an inflation fitting adapted to provide communication between the internal volume of the inflatable member and integrate the device with the inflation source. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the hands free signaling device is removably integral with a buoyancy compensation and can be activated automatically or manually. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a buoyancy compensating device attached to a tank of compressed air and including a hands free signaling device in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a close up perspective view of a portion of the buoyancy compensation device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a hands free signaling device in accordance with the present invention, 
     FIGS. 4A-4C are various embodiments of a hands free signaling device in accordance with the present invention; and 
     FIG. 5 illustrates the use of a hands free signaling device in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a BCD  10  includes a control tube  12  which has a fitting  14  connected to an inflation tube  16 . BCD  10  is an inflatable vest or jacket worn by a scuba diver to allow him to accurately control his buoyancy while under water. Inflation tube  16  forms part of a regulator assembly  18  and supplies compressed air from a tank  19  to the BCD  10 . Fitting  14  includes an inflation control button  20  and a deflation control button  22  which together allow a diver to adjust the volume of air within the BCD  10 . By depressing button  20 , air is allowed to flow from tank  19 , through the tube  16  and into the BCD  10 . By depressing button  22 , air is expelled from the BCD  10 . BCD devices such as the one shown in FIG. 1 are well known in the scuba diving industry and are manufactured by several companies including U.S. Divers™, Dacor™ and Sherwood™. A first stage  24  of the regulator  18  reduces air pressure from approximately 2250-3000 psi to a constant intermediate air pressure of approximately 105-145 psi. A flexible rubber hose  25  distributes this air to a second stage  26  of the regulator  18 . The second stage  26  further reduces the air pressure to an ambient pressure, which can be comfortably breathed by a diver through a mouthpiece  28 . The inflation tube  16  also delivers air at an intermediate pressure of approximately 105-145 psi to the BCD  10 . 
     Shown attached to a shoulder strap  30  of the BCD  10  is a hands free signal device  40 . The hands free signal device  40  includes an inflatable balloon  52  (shown best in FIG. 3 in a collapsed position) and includes an inflation fitting  42  connected to a device end  44   a  of a flexible tube  44 . A source end  44   b  of the flexible tube  44  is connected to the compressed air tank  19  through a fitting  45 . Fitting  45  is configured to only allow connection to the low pressure ports of the first stage of the regulator  18 . A handle  46  is attached to a cord  47  which in turn is connected to the fitting  42 . The handle  46  is preferably clasped to the front of the BCD  10  by a reversible fastening device such as a velcro strip, snap, clip, clamp, or zipper. When the handle  46  is pulled, a one way valve  43  incorporated in fitting  42  is opened, and air is released from the tank  19  through the tube  44  and inflates the balloon  52  on the hands free signal device  40 . In FIGS. 1-3, the balloon  52  is shown in its uninflated state. In its uninflated state, the balloon  52  is preferably tightly rolled into a compact unit. When inflated, the balloon unfurls and extends to its full length, assuming preferably an elongate shape (See FIGS.  4 A- 4 C). If a dangling cord for opening the one way valve is undesirable, the valve may be opened by depressing a button in a similar fashion as the one-way valves used for inflating BCD&#39;s. 
     An base  48  of the hands free signal device  40  is preferably attached to the shoulder strap  30  by a reversible fastening device  41 . The fastening device  48  is preferably a velcro strip  41   a  which will keep the hands free signal device  40  securely attached to the BCD  10  when it gets wet during the normal wear and tear of diving, or if unintentionally disturbed during a dive. Other reversible fastening devices may be used such as a snap,  41   b  clip,  41   c  clamp, or zipper  41   d.    
     When uninflated, the balloon  52  of the hands free signal device  40  is rolled up or otherwise retracted into a compact unit (FIGS. 1-3) and attached to the left side of the BCD. In this uninflated state and position, the hands free signal device  40  causes minimal interference with the movements of the scuba diver and the normal operation of the BCD  10 , regulator  18  or any of the associated hoses and fittings. The functioning of the BCD is such that a scuba diver does not normally need to access the shoulder area where the hands free signal device  40  is attached. The hands free signal device  40  is therefore out of the way during a dive but within easy reach of the diver. The preferred reduced profile of the hands free signal device  40  also helps minimize interference with the operation of other scuba equipment. 
     By pulling on the cord  47  via handle  46 , the hands free signal device  40  is activated and air is injected into the inflatable balloon  52 , thereby unfurling or otherwise deploying the inflatable balloon  52  so that when filled, it maintains a elongate and erect profile. Sufficient pressure is maintained in the inflatable balloon  52  so that it will remain upright and erect when subject to wind, waves or other movements of the diver. One way valve  43  ensures that air does not escape from the balloon  52  once it is inflated. Preferably a minimum volume of air is required to completely inflate the balloon  52 . The inflatable balloon  52  has a small internal volume so that a scuba tank or other air source with little air left will still completely inflate the balloon  52 . The inflatable balloon  52  is preferably 4-6 feet in length when deployed so that it can be seen over a large distance even with large swells. Signal devices constructed in accordance with the present invention can utilize balloons of varying length. For instance, in fresh water diving situations, where the chance of large waves or swells is reduced, a shorter balloon may be used. However, in ocean conditions, a longer balloon may be needed to overcome the effect of tall waves which may block the line of sight between the diver and a rescue boat. 
     To prevent over inflation of the balloon a one way relief valve, such as those employed on BCD&#39;s may be employed, or more preferably, the one way valve  42  can be of the type to automatically shut off when a back pressure of a preset valve is detected. Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, various embodiments of a deployed hands free signal device constructed in accordance with the present invention are depicted. Generally, after inflation, the balloon member of the hands free signal device assumes an elongate shape, and projects upward from the body of the diver to whom it is attached. FIG. 4A depicts a hands free signal device  140  which includes a balloon  152 . The balloon  152  is formed from a row of inflatable cells  154  which are interconnected and whose internal volumes are in communication with each other. In this manner, a single inflatable volume is maintained. Semi rigid support members  156  are included along the periphery of each of the cells  154  and help maintain the entire inflatable balloon member  152  in an erect and upright position when inflated. Uppermost cell  158  preferably includes an enhanced signaling feature such as a battery operated light, a radio transponder,  159  or a flare mechanism to further increase the visibility of the signal device. Additionally, an audible signaling device may be incorporated at the signaling end of the device. The entire length of the balloon member  152  is also preferably coated with a fluorescent, neon, or other bright color to increase its visibility. A luminescent paint is preferable for increased nighttime visibility. 
     FIG. 4B depicts a hands free signal device  240  which includes an inflatable balloon member  252 . When inflated, balloon member  252  forms a substantially smooth elongate member. This single piece construction allows the hands free signal device  240  to retreat into a further reduced size. 
     FIG. 4C depicts a hands free signal device  340  which includes an inflatable member  352  formed from a row of inflatable cells  354 . Each of the cells are interconnected and have internal volumes which and are in communication with each other. In this manner, a single inflatable volume is maintained. Each of the cells  354  includes a peripheral semi-rigid support member  356 . The support members  356  help maintain the inflatable balloon  352  in an upright and erect position when inflated. The inflatable balloon  352  collapses in an accordion like fashion when retracted and allows for the support members  356  to be substantially stiffer since they are not required to roll up as do the support members  156  of the hands free signal device  140 . The uppermost cell  358  preferably includes an enhanced signaling feature such as a battery operated light, a radio transponder or a flare mechanism to further increase the visibility of the hands free signal device or an audible signaling device. The entire length of the balloon member  352  is also preferably coated with a fluorescent, neon or other bright color to increase its visibility. A luminescent paint is preferable for increased nighttime visibility. 
     FIG. 5 depicts a scuba diver  300  after surfacing from a dive. In an emergency situation or simply when the diver feels the need to attract attention, the diver may do so by opening a valve between a hands free signaling device and a pressurized air source to inflate a balloon of the hands free signaling device without having to attach the signaling device to the pressurized air source. The hands free signal device  40  maintains the balloon member in an erect and extended position without the diver having to hold the device. Those on a boat  320  can therefore locate the diver  300 , even in rough water or poor visibility conditions. The diver  300  does not need to exert any additional energy to maintain the balloon member  52  in an upright position and can relax while the boat  320  comes to his aid. 
     A hands free signal device constructed in accordance with the present invention can incorporate additional features such as an automatic deployment mechanism which automatically inflates the balloon member  52  when a diver reaches the water surface or ascends too quickly. For automatic operation, most dive computers can calculate the rate of ascent. In an emergency ascent, the output of a dive computer can be connected to an automatic valve that opens when the predetermined rate of ascent is exceeded. 
     A hands free signal device constructed in accordance with the present invention can also be equipped with its own alternative compressed gas source to inflate the balloon member. A small canister of compressed carbon dioxide can be incorporated into the signaling device. By opening the valve  43 , the gas is released and thereby inflates the balloon member  52 . Such a configuration eliminates the dependency on the diver&#39;s compressed air tank and makes the signaling device a completely redundant system which can be easily mounted to any dive outfit. The standalone hands free signal device utilizing its own compressed gas system can be used by snorkelers or other swimmers who do not have a compressed air source to deploy the signaling device. 
     Additionally, a hands free signal device construction in accordance with the present invention can also be attached to an alternative (“pony”) air tank, or to the first stage of a regulator assembly directly through a coupling to a low pressure port. Additionally, the hands free signal device can be attached to an overflow valve incorporated into a diver&#39;s BCD. BCD overflow valves are typically equipped with a release cord and include a threshold fitting. A hands free signal device constructed in accordance with the present invention can be adapted to engage with this threaded fitting and utilize the release cord on the overflow valve, rather than having its own cord and valve. In this manner, the air remaining in the BCD acts as the inflation source for the signal device and the signal device can be readily exchanged between users. 
     Audible components can also be incorporated into a signal device constructed in accordance with the present invention. For instance, a whistle or horn can be placed in line with the compressed air source. Any remaining air in the scuba tank can be used to sound the whistle or horn. 
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications, and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.