Patent Description:
In scuba diving, a diver uses a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba). Typically, scuba divers carry their own source of breathing gas, usually in a cylindrical tank, as part of their scuba gear. The tank is carried by the diver with the help of a buoyancy compensator, referred to as a BC. BC's may be a vest or back pack worn by the diver. The BC utilizes a strap, belt or webbing to secure the tank to the BC.

Securing the tank to the BC is important in scuba diving. If the tank is not tightly connected to the BC then it can shift in position during the dive which could result in separation of the tank from the conduit supplying air to the diver. Further, if the connection of the tank to the BC is too loose or improperly done, the tank could separate from the BC which means it could fall off the diver. Such a fall, could prevent air from reaching the diver.

Unfortunately, prior art cinch designs are complex, costly to manufacture and for divers not properly trained, hard to understand how to use. In other words, because the cinches of prior art designs are hard to understand and use, then divers are at risk of improperly securing their tanks to their BC's, which in turn could lead to the risks discussed above during a dive. Further, the physical location of prior art cinch designs may be subject to being opened inadvertently too easily such that the tanks they are securing being loose and causes the difficulties discussed above.

<CIT> discloses a buckle assembly especially for use in securing gas cylinders such as scuba air tanks to a diver's backpack.

<CIT> presents a retaining mechanism for cinching a strap tightly against or around one or more items and a strap assembly including such a retaining mechanism.

<CIT> discloses a back pack cinch for a strap securing a breathing tank worn by a diver.

<CIT> presents a lashing belt system for safe and reliable holding and fixing of goods during transportation. A cam buckle is an instrument used in the lashing belt system.

<CIT> discloses a clip for attaching auxiliary weight bearing items to a strap.

In one aspect, an embodiment of the invention provides a back pack cinch according to claim <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the cover in the closed state covers at least a portion of the tab.

In an embodiment, the tab includes a lever. An end of the lever is covered at least partially by the cover in the closed position of the cover and uncovered in the open position of the cover.

In an embodiment, the tab includes a lever having a toothed portion and a cam having a planar portion.

In an embodiment, the tab is biased closed when the cover is in the open position and in the closed position.

In an embodiment, the cam is biased to move in the first rotational direction to close the tab and second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction to open the tab.

In an embodiment, the tab is arranged to define a channel between the planar portion of the cam and the serrated bearing surface when the tab is rotated in the second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction.

In an embodiment, in the open state of the cover, a first part of the tooth portion of the tab is biased to bear against the strap of the bouncy compensation device to sandwich the strap between the first part of the tooth portion and a serrated bearing surface.

In an embodiment, during transition from the open state to the closed state of the cover, the tab rotates in the first rotational direction and a second part of the toothed portion of the tab faces the serrated bearing surface of the buoyancy compensation device. The second part includes at least the first part.

In an embodiment, in the closed state the cover of the cinch body is between a back of the diver and the buoyancy compensation device.

In an embodiment, the tab is biased to rotate in a first rotational direction to fix the strap between the toothed portion of the cam and a serrated bearing surface and in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction to open a channel defined between the planar portion of the cam and the serrated bearing surface.

In an embodiment, the strap remains fixed between the toothed portion of the cam and the serrated bearing surface when the cover is pivoted between the open position and the closed position and between the closed position and the open position.

In an embodiment, the tab remains in the closed position when the cover is rotated from the closed position to the open position.

In an embodiment, the tab includes a cam having a toothed portion and a planar portion, the tab biased to have the toothed portion bear against the strap and a cooperating serrated bearing surface to fix the second end portion of the strap in place.

In still another aspect, an embodiment of the invention provides a buoyancy compensation device according to claim <NUM>.

In an embodiment, when the buoyancy compensation body is worn by a diver, the cover lies between the diver's back and an area of the breathing tank nearest the diver's back.

In an embodiment, the cover includes a strap pin to fix the first end portion of the strap. The second end portion of the strap is fixed between the toothed portion and the serrated bearing surface and the first end is fixed to the strap pin. Rotation of the cover about the pivot pin towards the tab rotates the tab in the first direction towards the serrated bearing surface to tension the strap.

In an embodiment, the tab is configured to rotate in a second direction, opposite the first direction, when the second end portion of the strap is pulled in a direction away from the breathing tank.

In an embodiment, the tab includes a lever. The lever is arranged to rotate the cam in a second direction, opposite the first direction, when a force is applied on the lever in a direction towards the underwater breathing tank.

Other aspects, objectives and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:.

While embodiments of the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments.

Embodiments of the invention provide back pack cinch that quickly and safely pre-tensions a strap to secure a breathing tank to a buoyancy compensator device, also referred to as a BC, before a final tensioning is provided by the back pack cinch. BC's may be a vest or back pack worn by the diver as readily understood by those familiar with the art. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

<FIG> illustrates a back pack cinch <NUM> in a closed position and at least partially within a cavity <NUM> of a buoyancy compensation device <NUM>, also referred to as a BC <NUM>, to secure a breathing tank <NUM> to a diver (not illustrated) with a strap <NUM>. The BC <NUM> may include a BC body <NUM> that may be a vest or back pack or in other forms commonly understood in the art. While a cavity <NUM> is illustrated it is not the intent to limit embodiments of a BC to only those having a cavity <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic cross section taken about line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> of the back pack cinch <NUM> but with the back pack cinch <NUM> in the open position. The back pack cinch <NUM> includes a cinch body <NUM>. Cinch body <NUM> may include a cover <NUM> that rotates at least partially around pivot pin <NUM>. Pivot pin <NUM> may by entirely within cinch body <NUM> or in an embodiment may extend through the cinch body <NUM> to secure the back pack cinch <NUM> to the BC <NUM>. The back pack cinch <NUM> may be permanently fixed in the BC <NUM> or in embodiments may be removable joined to the BC <NUM>. Further, the cinch body <NUM> may be a separate structure apart from the BC body <NUM> such that it can be "dropped in" or "snapped in" the BC <NUM>.

The cinch body <NUM> defines first aperture <NUM> and second aperture <NUM> for receiving a strap <NUM>. The strap <NUM>, may be a webbing or any suitable material known in the art of diving for securing a breathing tank <NUM> to a BC <NUM> and diver.

A first end portion <NUM> of the strap <NUM> is fastened about a strap pin <NUM> of the cinch body <NUM> and exits out of the first aperture <NUM> to wrap circumferentially around the breathing tank <NUM>. Securing of the first end portion <NUM> to the strap pin <NUM> may be done by any known method in the art including, by way of non-limiting examples, use of fasteners or stitching such that the first end portion <NUM> of the strap <NUM> is able to remain fixed in place at the first strap pin <NUM> when under tension to secure the breathing tank <NUM> to the BC <NUM>.

The back pack cinch <NUM> is shown in a first state, referred to as the open position. When the back pack cinch <NUM> is open, a top surface <NUM> of the cover <NUM> rests against a first stop <NUM> that may be provided by the BC <NUM>. Thus, the cover <NUM> is also considered to be in an open position. The strap pin <NUM> rests within a second stop <NUM> (<FIG>) which is a groove that cooperates with the outer surface of the strap pin <NUM> to receive and bear against the outer surface of the strap pin <NUM> to act as a stop to prevent rotation of the back pack cinch <NUM> beyond what is shown in <FIG>.

The cinch body <NUM> includes a tab <NUM> which includes a tab pin <NUM> to fasten the tab <NUM> to the cinch body <NUM>. Tab <NUM> is arranged to rotate around the tab pin <NUM> within limits. The tab <NUM> includes a cam <NUM> and a lever <NUM>. The lever <NUM> defines a planar surface sufficient to permit a diver and/or user to press the tab <NUM> in order to rotate the tab <NUM> about the tab pin <NUM> until it reaches a third stop <NUM> limit of the tab <NUM> as it rotates to an open position (<FIG>). The lever <NUM> further includes a toothed portion <NUM> that extends from a circumferential portion of the cam <NUM>. The cam <NUM> further defines an outermost planar surface <NUM>.

The cam <NUM> may include the circumferential tooth portion <NUM> and the outermost planar surface <NUM> and the lever <NUM> which extends from the cam <NUM> such that a forces acting on the lever <NUM> may rotate the cam <NUM> and its toothed portion <NUM> and planar surfaces <NUM> between the closed and open state of the cam <NUM>.

The tab <NUM> is biased by a biasing member (not illustrated), in a first closed state referred to as a first closed position such that the toothed portion <NUM> of the cam <NUM> bears against a serrated bearing surface <NUM>. The serrated bearing surface may be part of the cinch body <NUM> or in an embodiment part of the BC <NUM>. The serrated bearing surface cooperates with the toothed portion <NUM> of the cam <NUM>. Thus, in <FIG> it can be appreciated that the tab <NUM> is biased to rotate in a first direction to keep the tab <NUM> in a first closed position. The biasing member may be a spring such that the tab <NUM> may be considered a spring-loaded tab <NUM>. For example, the biasing member may a torsion spring surround tab pin <NUM> and acting on cam <NUM>. Alternatively, the biasing member may be tension alone.

<FIG> illustrates the back pack cinch <NUM> in an open position. The top surface <NUM> bears against the first stop <NUM>, the strap pin <NUM> is located in the second stop <NUM>, the tab <NUM> is in a first closed position such that the lever <NUM> is not resting against the third stop <NUM> and at least a first part of the toothed portion <NUM> of the tab <NUM> faces the serrated bearing surface <NUM> of the BC <NUM>.

In order to secure the breathing tank <NUM> to the BC <NUM> using the back pack cinch <NUM>, the first end portion <NUM> of the strap <NUM> is secured around the strap pin <NUM>. The strap <NUM> passes through the first aperture <NUM> through the BC <NUM> and circumferentially surrounds the breathing tank <NUM>. Rotation of the lever <NUM> (<FIG>) towards the third stop <NUM>, by pressing <NUM> the lever <NUM> tab <NUM> moves to the open position. As the tab <NUM> moves to the open position a channel <NUM> (<FIG>) is opened to allow a second end portion <NUM> to pass between the toothed portion <NUM> of the tab <NUM> and the serrated bearing surface <NUM> of the BC <NUM>. Even if the lever <NUM> is not pressed, an effort to push the strap <NUM> in a direction extending away from the breathing tank <NUM> and the second aperture <NUM> and between the tooth portion <NUM> of the tab <NUM> and the serrated bearing surface <NUM> may be sufficient to rotate the tab <NUM> to the open position to allow the strap <NUM> to pass between the toothed portion <NUM> and the serrated bearing surface <NUM>.

Once the strap <NUM> is in place and there is no force action on the lever <NUM>, tab <NUM> is free to rotate in the first direction to the first closed state such that the second end portion <NUM> of the strap <NUM> is sandwiched between a first part of the teeth of the first toothed portion <NUM> and the serrated bearing surface <NUM>. The second end portion <NUM> of the strap <NUM> is then pulled in a first direction <NUM> to hand tighten the strap <NUM> to the breathing tank <NUM> as much as possible. Once the pulling force is stopped the second end portion <NUM> of the strap may be let go of and the tab <NUM> is biased to rotate in the first direction closed to keep the second end portion <NUM> locked/fixed in place between the first toothed portion <NUM> and the serrated bearing surface <NUM>. This self-locking function of the tab <NUM> prevents the strap <NUM> from moving a second direction, opposite the first direction. Thus, the self-locking function of the tab <NUM> keeps the strap <NUM> in a first state of tension, also referred to as pre-tensioned state to secure the breathing tank <NUM> to the BC <NUM>. Thus, the self-locking tab <NUM> holds the strap <NUM> fixed in place between tab <NUM> and the serrated bearing surface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the back pack cinch <NUM> and the cover <NUM> in the closed position. To rotate the back pack cinch <NUM> to the closed position, the cover <NUM> is rotated around pivot pin <NUM> towards the tab <NUM> in the first rotation direction shown by the large arrow <NUM>. In the closed position of back pack cinch <NUM>, the strap pin <NUM> bears against a fourth stop <NUM> (<FIG>) defined by the cinch body <NUM>. Rotating the cover <NUM> to the closed position creates a second tensioning force greater than the pre-tensioning force to secure the strap <NUM> tightly around the breathing tank <NUM> and the BC <NUM>.

During the rotation of the cover <NUM> to the closed position and in the closed position of the cover <NUM> and thus the back pack cinch <NUM>, the lever <NUM> rotates up and away from the third stop <NUM> such that a second part of the toothed portion <NUM> bear against the strap <NUM> when the back pack cinch <NUM> is fully closed such that pivot pin <NUM> bears against the fourth stop <NUM>. The second part of the toothed portion <NUM> includes more teeth bearing against the serrated bearing surface <NUM> than when the first part of the toothed portion <NUM> bears against the strap <NUM> and the serrated bearing surface <NUM>.

In the closed position of the cover <NUM>, the strap <NUM> is in a final tensioned state to fully secure the BC <NUM> to the breathing tank <NUM>. The tension in the strap <NUM> at the tab <NUM> is such that the biasing force keeping the tab <NUM> closed/locked is greater than what it was before the cover <NUM> was closed.

In the closed position of the cover <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM> of the cover <NUM> advantageously covers, and in doing so may be said to overlap at least an end <NUM> the tab <NUM> to prevent an unintentional release of the strap <NUM>. Thus, the bottom surface <NUM> of the cover <NUM> faces and may even be in contact with the end <NUM> of the tab <NUM> and can be considered as a fifth stop preventing further rotation of the tab <NUM>. It can also now be readily understood that the back pack cinch <NUM> is further protected from inadvertent openings because it rests between the BC <NUM> and the diver's back when the BC <NUM> is worn by a diver. Thus, the cover <NUM> of the back pack cinch <NUM> cannot rotate open fully as the diver's back acts as a stop to stop any cover rotation to open the back pack cinch <NUM>.

As can now be appreciated, the over center rotation of the cover <NUM> to the closed position of the back pack cinch <NUM> keeps the cover <NUM> locked into the closed position without the need for any further structure on the BC <NUM> or back pack cinch <NUM> to keep the cover <NUM> closed. Further, a deliberate force by a user/diver is required to rotate the cover <NUM> back into the open position. Thus, the cover <NUM> in the closed position is not likely to open with an inadvertent blow/force such as incidental contact with another diver, by way of example. Further, even if an opening of the cover <NUM> were to occur such that the cover <NUM> moves back to its open position (<FIG>), as previously discussed, the tab <NUM> in its biased closed position which may also referred to as a second close position, keeps the strap <NUM> secured to the breathing tank <NUM> and BC <NUM>.

<FIG> is a second illustration of the back pack cinch <NUM> in the open position as in <FIG>. However, <FIG> further illustrates that in order to unthread the strap <NUM> from the back pack cinch <NUM>, the cover <NUM> is rotated away from the tab <NUM> in a second rotational direction <NUM>, opposite the first rotational direction <NUM> (<FIG>). Once the cover <NUM> is in the open state, the lever <NUM> of the tab <NUM> may be depressed in the direction <NUM> such that the channel <NUM> is defined by the planar portion <NUM> that is free of any teeth and the serrated bearing surface <NUM>. The strap <NUM> is then free to be pulled in second pulling direction <NUM> opposite the first pulling direction <NUM> (<FIG>) to completely remove the strap <NUM> from back pack cinch <NUM> or to remove a portion of the strap <NUM> to loosen the strap <NUM> such that the breathing tank <NUM> may be easily removed from the BC <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A back pack cinch (<NUM>) for a strap (<NUM>) securing a breathing tank (<NUM>) to a buoyancy compensation device (<NUM>) worn by a diver, the back pack cinch (<NUM>) comprising:
a cinch body (<NUM>) having a serrated bearing surface (<NUM>);
a cover (<NUM>) rotatably mounted to the cinch body (<NUM>), the cover (<NUM>) having an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the cover (<NUM>) is configured to tension a strap (<NUM>); and
a tab (<NUM>) rotatably mounted to the cinch body (<NUM>), the tab(<NUM>) having an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, a portion of the strap (<NUM>) is pressed against the serrated bearing surface (<NUM>) by the tab (<NUM>) to hold the portion of the strap (<NUM>) in a fixed position.