Patent Application
20050235393
This invention relates to the field of underwater diving vests. More specifically, this invention relates to an underwater diving vest that allows for a more streamlined design and use by a user. Further, this invention relates to a diving vest that allows for an air bladder system that is positioned on a diving vest to facilitate easier use and manipulation of the vest.
The sport of scuba diving, is the result of developments and innovations that began hundreds of years ago. Scuba diving is the most extensively used system for breathing underwater by recreational, scientific, commercial and military divers throughout the world.
Scuba diving equipment typically consists of masks, fins and a compressed air cylinder. Since recreational scuba began, it was deemed necessary for divers to wear some sort of a safety vest, especially for surface support. Up through the 1960s, most divers used what is commonly referred to as a “snorkeler's vest”. These are much like an aviation vest, with a skinny oral hose and a CO2 cartridge for emergency inflation.
With the expansion of recreation diving and the development of better vests and the concept of buoyancy control, the snorkeler's vest began to fade as the option of choice by most divers. The next incarnation of diving vest was still a vest, customarily called a “Mae West” vest. This unit had added a larger inflation hose, to be used under water, and added a crotch strap.
The introduction of the crotch strap became necessary because when a diver added air to the vest underwater it would make the vest positively buoyant. Typically, the diver would wear a weight system or belt to hold him down to counter with negative buoyance, so the vest and the weight system were countering each other, but there was no device to hold the diver down.
Later in diving development, a mechanical inflator was developed for using, in conjunction with the vest. The inflator allowed the air from the tank to fill the buoyancy control rather than requiring oral inflation of the vest.
The big advancement in the scuba diving vest system came with the introduction of the buoyancy control jacket. The buoyancy control jacket essentially integrated the tank backpack and vest into one unit for use by a diver. It was more comfortable and easier to wear. The crotch strap was eliminated and the jacket was an easier fit. The buoyancy control jacket also supported the tank's weight better while the diver was standing on dry land. More importantly, the jacket supported the tank's weight better underwater. The buoyancy control jacket allowed the air to travel within the vest having a bladder that extended behind the horizontal diver, which allowed the diver increased comfort in water. When combined with the mechanical inflator, buoyancy compensation became the standard of which was employed by the vast majority of divers.
However, there existed several problems with the common buoyancy compensator. The buoyancy compensator was much looser than the old diving vests and, there was no way to tighten it in the chest/shoulder area. Moreover, when the jacket was filled, it inflated the front of the jacket, which put considerable pressure on the diver's head between two lobes of the jacket. In order to provide lift to the diver, the front chambers had to fill before the diver was lifted from underneath. The typical buoyancy control jacket would need considerable weight to produce lift and keep the diver afloat. To achieve the high weight necessary, some manufacturers have implemented weight-integrated jackets, allowing the diver to eliminate the belt by putting the weights into pockets or chambers in the buoyancy control unit. A problem associated with these integrated weight systems is that they do not eliminate the pressure on the head of the user when the jacket is inflated. Moreover, the weight systems did not eliminate the cumbersome feel and qualities of the jacket. Moreover, the weight system tended to restrict access to gear that may be integrated in to the jacket.
Recently, some manufacturers had the front air chambers removed, by adding adjustable shoulder straps. The advantage to adding the adjustable shoulder straps instead of air chambers would allow for increased vision of the diver and make for a more comfortable fit. Moreover, the jackets are sleeker, more compact, and more comfortable. Today's vests and/or jackets are essentially still the same as the jackets with removed chambers. Diving jackets and/or vests today have added some features that were not present in past vests, including increased lift capacity and a wider shoulder harness that offers added support to the diver. However with all these added features comes added bulk, less sleekness and more uncomfortable fit.
Another feature which has been added to most vests and/or buoyancy compensator jackets is integrated weights. These buoyancy vests have integrated the weight systems that used to be a separate unit worn by the diver. The typical vest now has two front pockets, each holding up lead weights, that slip into the vest easier even than donning a standard weight belt. The problem exists that many of these vests having the integrate weight systems, and the added features are very bulky and heavy for a user.
A further problem exists because the added weight and features that are incorporated into the jacket are very difficult for a user to gain access to. Another problem exists wherein the air bladder that are in the front lobe portion of the jacket are either on top or beneath an integrated weight system or pocket when considering a horizontal plane passing through a diver's midsection. However, the positioning of the air bladder in this position restricts the movements of a diver in water and above water.
Yet another problem exists because the air bladder systems currently in use are not streamlined for easier access by the diver to gear he/she may have attached to the jacket. Still a further problem exists wherein the air bladders in prior art jackets make lift much more difficult because of the positioning of the air bladder systems in these jackets.
What is needed is a jacket that has air containing portions directly above or below the integrated weight system when considering a plane parallel to the length of the diver. Further, a need therefore exists for a jacket having an air bladder system contained within the front lobes of the jacket wherein the air in the front lobes allow for a streamlined bladder than provides for easier access to gear with gear closer to body. Further, a need therefore exists for a streamlined bladder than provides increased stability for entering and exiting the water. Further, a streamlined bladder is needed that minimizes the possibility of entanglement with nearby object in a boat and/or in the water. Still further, a need therefore exists for a streamlined bladder that makes movement in the water during partial inflation of the bladder easier as the movement created between the vector for lift and the center of gravity for the diver is minimized. A further need therefore exists for a unique bladder design that adds lift making it easier to maintain various positions under and/or above the water.
The present invention provides a new buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design. More specifically, the present invention provides a new buoyancy compensator that may have air bladder portions positioned directly below the integrated weight system when considering a plane parallel to the length of a diver. Additionally, the present invention provides a new buoyancy compensator that may have air bladder portions positioned directly above the integrated weight system when considering a plane parallel to the length of a diver. The present invention also provides a new buoyancy compensator that provides a streamlined bladder that makes movements in the water easier as the movement created between the vector for lift and the center of gravity is minimized.
To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a buoyancy compensator is provided. The buoyancy compensator has a diving unit to be worn by an individual wherein the diving unit has a front lobe. Additionally, the compensator has at least one pocket adapted for use on the unit and an integrated weight system on the diving unit. Moreover, the buoyancy compensator has an air bladder system contained within the diving unit.
In an embodiment, the integrated weight system has at least one weight removably contained within an envelope.
In an embodiment the integrated weight system is removably detachable from the diving unit.
In an embodiment, the air bladder system is contained within the front lobe of the diving unit.
In an embodiment, the integrated weight system and the air bladder system are positioned on the front lobe of the diving unit.
In an embodiment, the air bladder system is positioned above the integrated weight system in relation to the horizontal plane of an individual.
In an embodiment, the air bladder system is positioned below the integrated weight system in relation to the horizontal plane of an individual.
In an embodiment, the air bladder system is positioned above and below the integrated weight system in relation to the horizontal plane of an individual.
In an embodiment, the air bladder system is positioned above and/or below the integrated weight system but not inboard or outboard of the integrated weight system when one considers the individual to be inboard of the weights.
In an embodiment, the air bladder system is contained only in the front lobe of the diving unit.
In an embodiment of the present invention a buoyancy compensator system is provided. The buoyancy compensator has a diving unit to be worn by an individual said diving unit including a back portion and a shoulder portion. The compensator has at least one front lobe of the diving unit. Additionally, the buoyancy compensator has at least one shoulder strap wherein said shoulder strap connects the at least one front lobe of the diving unit with a shoulder portion. Moreover, the unit has an integrated weight system configured to carry at least one weight wherein the weight is contained within an envelope means and an air bladder system contained on the front lobe of the diving unit.
In an embodiment, the integrated weight system has at least one weight contained therein and further wherein the weight is contained within an enveloping means on the front lobe of the diving unit.
In an embodiment, the integrated weight system is contained within the front lobe of the diving unit and further wherein at least one weight is removably attachable to the diving unit.
In an embodiment, the air bladder system is contained within the front lobe of the diving unit.
In an embodiment, the air bladder system is contained within the front lobe of the diving unit and further wherein the air bladder system is positioned above the integrated weight system in relation to the horizontal plane of an individual utilizing the diving unit.
In an embodiment, the air bladder system is contained within the front lobe of the diving unit and further wherein the air bladder is positioned below the integrated weight system in relation to the horizontal plane of an individual utilizing the diving unit.
In an embodiment, the air bladder system in contained within the front lobe of the diving unit and further wherein the air bladder system is inboard or outboard of the weight system when the individual is considered inboard of the weights.
In an embodiment, the air bladder system is contained within the front lobe of the diving unit and further wherein the air bladder is positioned above and below the integrated weight system in relation to the horizontal plane of an individual utilizing the diving unit.
In an embodiment, the air bladder system is contained only in the front lobe of the diving unit.
In an embodiment, the air bladder system may be partially or fully inflated and further wherein the air bladder system location creates a vector for lift that counters the center of gravity for an individual.
It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide a unique buoyancy compensator.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design.
Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder wherein the unique bladder has a streamlined design.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the air bladder is contained within the front lobe portion of the jacket.
Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the buoyancy compensator contains an integrated weight system.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the compensator combines an integrated weight system with a unique bladder system.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the air bladder system is contained below the position of an integrated weight system.
Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the air bladder system is contained below the position of an integrated weight system when considering a horizontal plane passing through a diver's midsection.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the air bladder system is contained above the position of an integrated weight system.
A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the air bladder system is contained above the position of an integrated weight system when considering a horizontal plane passing through a diver's midsection.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein no air containing bladder may be inboard or outboard of the weight system when one considers the diver to be inboard of the weight system.
Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the air bladder system may be contained within the front lobes of the buoyancy compensator.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the air bladder system may be contained within the front lobes of the buoyancy compensator which may add lift to the user of the compensator.
A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the air bladder system may be contained within the front lobes of the buoyancy compensator which may add lift to the user and further wherein the air bladder in the front lobes may facilitate easier maintenance of various positions under water.
Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the air bladder system may be contained within the front lobes of the buoyancy compensator which may add lift to the user and further wherein the air bladder system contained within the front lobes may make it easier to maintain various positions above the water plane.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the air bladder may be placed below the position of the integrated weight system which may provide a streamlined bladder.
Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the air bladder may be placed above the position of the integrated weight system which may provide a streamlined bladder.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the unique bladder design may facilitate easier access to gear positioned on the compensator.
A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the unique bladder design may facilitate easier access to gear stored in the compensator wherein the gear may be closer to the body.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the unique bladder design may allow for a streamlined bladder that may increase stability of a user when entering the water.
Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the unique bladder design may allow for a streamlined bladder that may increase stability of a user when exiting the water.
Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the unique bladder design may allow for a streamlined bladder that may minimize entanglement with nearby objects in the water.
An advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the unique bladder design may allow for a streamlined bladder that may minimize entanglement with nearby objects on the boat before or after water exercises.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the bladder design may make movements in the water easier.
Still another advantage of the present invention is to a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the bladder design may make movements in water during partial inflation easier.
Another advantage of the present invention is to a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the bladder design may make movements in water during partial inflation easier as differences between the vector for lift and the center of gravity of the diver is minimized.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the bladder system may be less bulky than prior art jackets.
Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the bladder system may be more streamlined and less cumbersome for a diver.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the bladder system may facilitate better lift of a diver while in the water.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the bladder system may facilitate better lift when the diver is at the surface of the water.
A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the bladder system may be in the front lobes of the jacket which may provide a balance between the diver's center of gravity and positive lift.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a unique buoyancy compensator with a unique bladder design wherein the bladder system may be positioned in the front lobe of the jacket wherein the positive lift will keep a diver upright at the surface of the water.
These and other objects of the invention will become more clear when one reads the following specification, taken together with the drawings that are attached hereto. The scope of protection sought by the inventors may be gleaned from a fair reading of the claims that conclude this specification. Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.
Turning now to the drawings wherein elements are identified by numbers and like elements are identified by like numbers throughout the 5 figures, the invention is depicted in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The buoyancy compensator jacket 1 may have at least one air bladder 41 that may be contained on the front lobe 29 of the jacket 1. The air bladder 41 may be on the front lobe 29 portion of the jacket 1 and may be positioned on top and/or beneath the integrated weight system 33 as illustrated in
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.
