Patent Application
20050274751
(1) Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a wetsuit rinse and sensor apparatus, and more particularly, to a hanger that is formed to rinse a hanging wetsuit and that includes a sensor system having a micro-computer configured to sense and notify a user of various properties of the hanging wetsuit.
(2) Description of Related Art
In cold ocean areas in which water activities, such as surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving, and kite surfing to name a few, are undertaken it is necessary for humans to insulate themselves from the cold water. Typically, a wetsuit is used to insulate a user from the cold water. A wetsuit is typically made of a semi-permeable neoprene rubber which is designed to prevent the liquid convective cooling of the skin. By limiting the flow of liquid around the skin, the body is able to maintain its temperature in much colder conditions than it would be able to if it were exposed directly to the cold water.
Some issues associated with maintenance of the wetsuit are that the ocean's salt water accelerates decay of the neoprene, and the wetsuit houses bacteria and salt that often cause a foul odor. To prevent odor and decay, a user typically rinses out the wetsuit after every use by taking the wetsuit off and spraying it down with a hose, or by bringing the wetsuit into the shower and rinsing it off in the shower. In either case, maintenance of the wetsuit is a time consuming task that takes away from the enjoyment of participation in water activities. Additionally, after the wetsuit is rinsed, it is typically hung to dry on a standard hanger.
As an improvement over simply rinsing the wetsuit and hanging it to dry, a few inventions have been devised that assist a user in rinsing a wetsuit through the use of a hanging device. U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,739, issued to Ryan (hereinafter “the Ryan patent”) discloses a wetsuit washing hanger device. The Ryan patent discloses a hollow hanger with a funnel. The funnel is for attaching with a shower head, with water dispersed through the hollow hanger and onto a hanging wetsuit. A problem with such a configuration is that it must be used in conjunction with a shower head. Additionally, because of the weight of a wet, hanging wetsuit, an improperly shaped hanger may result in deformation of the wetsuit.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,624, issued to Darling (hereinafter “the Darling patent”) discloses a wetsuit rinsing hanger that does not rely on a shower and that is adapted to be used with a water hose. The Darling patent describes a hanger that includes a vertical passage, with a lower-horizontal cross-arm, and a top-horizontal cross-arm. The hanger is hung upon the lower-horizontal cross-arm, with water being dispersed through both the lower and top horizontal cross-arms. Because the Darling patent specifically describes the horizontal configuration of the top cross-arm, a problem associated with such a configuration is that water sprayed from the top cross-arm is ONLY sprayed upon the top shoulder portion of the wetsuit. Although the lower cross-arm sprays an interior of the wetsuit, the top horizontal cross-arm leaves the remainder of the exterior (with the exception of the shoulder portion) unsprayed. Additionally, as was the case with the Ryan patent, an improperly shaped hanger may result in a deformation of the wetsuit. Because of the horizontal configuration of the invention disclosed in the Darling patent, deformation is likely to occur if a wet and heavy wetsuit is hung upon the wetsuit rinsing hanger of the Darling patent.
Furthermore, when rinsing and then hanging a wetsuit to dry, a user is not typically notified when the wetsuit is clean or dry. Thus, a continuing need exists for a wetsuit rinsing hanger that is adaptable to a hose, that is configured to spray multiple exterior portions of a hanging wetsuit, that has a shape that will not deform a hanging wetsuit, and that can automatically notify a user when the wetsuit is clean and/or dry.
The present invention relates to a wetsuit rinsing hanger. The wetsuit rinsing hanger comprises an elongated body member having a hollow cavity therein with a plurality of holes formed therethrough. The plurality of holes are formed such that they provide for fluid communication between the hollow cavity and an external portion of the elongated body member. A fluid provider attachment is connected with the elongated body member such that the fluid provider attachment is in fluid communication with the hollow cavity and is configured to allow for attachment of a fluid provider. A user may hang a wetsuit upon the wetsuit rinsing hanger and pass a fluid through the fluid provider attachment, out of the plurality of holes, and through the wetsuit, thereby rinsing the wetsuit.
In another aspect, the present invention further comprises a downward protrusion connected with the elongated body member. The downward protrusion includes holes therethrough and has a hollow cavity therein in fluid communication with the hollow cavity of the elongated body member.
In yet another aspect, the fluid provider attachment includes threads and is configured to be connected with a water hose, thereby allowing for the fluid provider to be a water hose with the fluid being water.
Additionally, the elongated body member includes a width, with the width being at least one inch.
Furthermore, the fluid provider attachment includes at least two parts, a first part connected with the elongated body member and a second part for connecting with a water hose. The first part and the second part are detachably attachable with each other, whereby when the second part is connected with a water hose, a user may quickly attach/detach the attached water hose.
In yet another aspect, the elongated body member includes at least one divot, with one of the plurality of holes formed in the divot such that a fluid being passed through the hole is dispersed in a plurality of directions.
In another aspect, the elongated body member includes two opposing ends and further comprises a support member connected between the two opposing ends.
In yet another aspect, the support member has a hollow cavity therein in fluid communication with the hollow cavity of the elongated body member, and where a plurality of holes are formed therethrough. The plurality of holes are formed such that they provide for fluid communication between the hollow cavity and an external portion of the support member.
In another aspect, the present invention further comprises a cleansing solution dispenser connected with the elongated body member such that the cleansing solution dispenser is in fluid connection with the hollow cavity. The cleansing solution dispenser is formed such that as a fluid is passed through the elongated body member, a cleansing solution disposed within the cleansing solution dispenser is drawn from the dispenser to be mixed with the fluid.
In yet another aspect, the present invention further comprises a shower head adapter for attaching between a shower head and the fluid provider attachment. The shower head adapter includes a shower head attachment and a flexible hose and is configured to be connected with a shower head and the fluid provider attachment, thereby allowing a user to attach the wetsuit rinsing hanger with a shower head and rinse an attached wetsuit while it hangs in a shower.
Additionally, the plurality of holes are formed such that they face a plurality of directions, thereby allowing fluid to be sprayed against an attached wetsuit from a plurality of angles.
In another aspect, the present invention further comprises an external spray member in fluid connection with the elongated body member. The external spray member includes a plurality of holes such that as a fluid is passed from the elongated body member and through the external spray member, the fluid is dispersed through the plurality of holes and sprayed against an external portion of an attached wetsuit.
Additionally, the elongated body member has a first side and a second side and the external spray member extends in multiple directions on each of the first and second sides, such that water is dispersed through the external spray member and onto multiple sides of an attached wetsuit.
In another aspect, the present invention comprises a sensor system connected with the elongated body member. The sensor system includes a sensor, a micro-computer, and alarm. The sensor is functional for sensing a property of an attached wetsuit and transmitting a signal containing characteristics of the property to the micro-computer. The micro-computer is functional for receiving the signal and determining if the characteristics satisfy a predetermined threshold for that property. The alarm is functional for alerting a user when the characteristics have been determined to satisfy the predetermined threshold for that property. Additionally, the alarm is selected from a group consisting of an audible alarm and a visual alarm.
In another aspect, when the sensor is a salinity sensor and the property of the attached wetsuit is the salinity content of water passing through the wetsuit, the micro-computer further includes a computer program product comprising computer-readable instruction means encoded on a computer-readable medium for causing a computer to receive a signal from the salinity sensor; determine the salinity content of water passing through the wetsuit; determine if the salinity content is lower than a predetermined threshold; and send an alarm signal to the alarm if the signal satisfies the predetermined threshold.
In another aspect, when the sensor is a moisture sensor and the property of the attached wetsuit is the moisture (water) content of the wetsuit, the micro-computer further includes a computer program product comprising computer-readable instruction means encoded on a computer-readable medium for causing a computer to receive a signal from the moisture sensor; determine the moisture content of the wetsuit; determine if the moisture content is lower than a predetermined threshold; and send an alarm signal to the alarm if the signal satisfies the predetermined threshold.
Finally, as can be appreciated by one in the art, the present invention also comprises a system for rinsing a wetsuit and sensing properties of the wetsuit, and methods for forming and using the wetsuit rinsing hanger described herein.
The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:
The present invention relates to a wetsuit rinse and sensor apparatus, and more particularly, to a hanger that is formed to rinse a hanging wetsuit and that includes a sensor system having a micro-computer configured to sense and notify a user of various properties of the hanging wetsuit. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.
The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.
Before describing the invention in detail, first, an introduction is provided to provide the reader with a general understanding of the present invention. Second, a detailed description of various aspects of the present invention is provided to give an understanding of the specific details.
Wetsuits are typically used to insulate a user from cold water. When used in the ocean's salt water, the salt water has a detrimental impact on the wetsuit material. To remove the salt water from the wetsuit, and thereby prevent odor and decay, a user typically rinses out the wetsuit after every use and thereafter hangs the wetsuit for drying.
The present invention reduces the amount of time and effort spent rinsing and hanging the wetsuit by incorporating the two activities into a single wetsuit rinsing hanger. Using the present invention, a wetsuit is hung on the wetsuit rinsing hanger and rinsed thoroughly. After turning off the water, the wetsuit is left upon the hanger to dry, thereby decreasing the effort needed to properly maintain the wetsuit and increasing the wetsuit's usable life.
While rinsing the wetsuit, it may be desirable to receive a notification when the salt water has been sufficiently removed and thereby allow a user to turn off the water to begin the drying process. Furthermore, when drying the wetsuit, a user may appreciate a notification of when the wetsuit is dry. Therefore, the present invention also includes a sensor system that may be included within the hanger to sense and notify a user of various properties of the wetsuit, such as the salinity and/or moisture remaining in the wetsuit.
The present invention is a wetsuit rinsing hanger which has an attachment for a hose and holes in it to channel water through the hanger body and to distribute it to the wetsuit in such a way that the wetsuit will be rinsed thoroughly.
As shown in
A fluid provider attachment 108 is connected with the elongated body member 102 such that the fluid provider attachment 108 is in fluid communication with the hollow cavity. The fluid provider attachment 108 is formed of any suitably durable and rigid material, non-limiting examples of which include plastic and metal. The fluid provider attachment 108 is configured to allow for attachment of a fluid provider. The fluid provider is any suitable device that provides a sustained stream of fluid, non-limiting examples of which include a water hose and a shower head. After attaching a fluid provider (e.g., water hose), a fluid (e.g., water) may be passed through the fluid provider attachment 108, through the elongated body member 102, and out of the plurality of holes 106 to be dispersed onto an attached wetsuit.
A hanging apparatus 110 is attached with the elongated body member 102 to allow a user to hang the wetsuit rinsing hanger 100 upon an object. The hanging apparatus 100 is any suitable mechanism or device for hanging one object upon another, a non-limiting example of which includes a hook, a loop, and a ring.
When hanging a wet wetsuit upon the wetsuit rinsing hanger 100, the wetsuit may possess a considerable amount of weight. To assist in supporting the weight, a support member may optionally be included. As such and in the aspect shown in
In another aspect, it may be desirable to rinse the wetsuit while it hangs in a shower. In doing so, a hose is often out of reach, leaving the shower head as a desirable source of fluid. As such, the present invention also comprises a shower head adapter 306 for attaching between a shower head and the fluid provider attachment 108. The shower head adapter 306 includes a shower head attachment 308 and a flexible hose 310 for connecting the shower head attachment 308 with the fluid provider attachment 108. The shower head attachment 308 is any suitable device for attaching with a shower head, non-limiting examples of which include a funnel with a hook, and a flexible container that can be slid over and affixed with the shower head. As can be appreciated by one in the art, the flexible hose 310 may be directly attached to the fluid provider attachment 108, or may include a detachably attachable mechanism as described above.
Through use of divots 502, the elongated body member 102 has a sufficient thickness to maintain its supportive properties, yet has a diminished thickness at the hole's 106 location. Additionally, the holes 106 are formed such that they face a plurality of directions, thereby also allowing fluid to be sprayed against an attached wetsuit from a plurality of angles.
As noted above, a wet wetsuit may possess a considerable amount of weight. If a user were to hang a wet wetsuit upon a traditional hanger, it is possible that as gravity pulls the wetsuit down upon the hanger, the hanger will deform the shoulder portions of the wetsuit. To prevent deformation of the wetsuit, the elongated body member 102 includes a width 504 that is sufficiently wide to support a wet wetsuit while preventing its deformation. As a non-limiting example, the width 504 is at least one inch.
An important aspect of the present invention is the ability to adequately disperse a fluid through the wetsuit rinsing hanger 100 and onto a wetsuit. To further assist this process, and as shown in
In another configuration, and as shown in
The external spray member 700 may be formed in a variety of shapes to allow for spraying fluid against an external portion of an attached wetsuit. As a non-limiting example, the elongated body member 102 has a first side 702 and a second side 704, with the external spray member 700 being formed such that it extends in multiple directions on each of the first 702 and second 704 sides. By having a multi-directional external spray member 700, water dispersed through the external spray member 700 is sprayed onto multiple sides of an attached wetsuit.
In another aspect and as shown in
As can be appreciated by one in the art, the wetsuit rinsing hanger 100 can be formed in a variety of shapes. For illustrative purposes,
While rinsing the wetsuit, it may be desirable to receive a notification when the wetsuit has been thoroughly rinsed and dried. Accordingly, the wetsuit rinsing hanger 100 optionally includes a sensor system for notifying a user when the salt water has been sufficiently removed from the wetsuit and, for notifying a user when the wetsuit is dry.
As shown in
After sensing the respective property (i.e., salinity and moisture), the sensor transmits a signal containing characteristics of the property to the micro-computer 1004. After receiving the signal, the micro-computer 1004 is configured through instruction means to determine if the characteristics satisfy a predetermined threshold for that property. As a non-limiting example, the threshold may be less than 3% saline content in the water that is flowing from the wetsuit.
The term “instruction means” as used with respect to this invention generally indicates a set of operations to be performed on a computer, and may represent pieces of a whole program or individual, separable, software modules. Non-limiting examples of “instruction means” include computer program code (source or object code) and “hard-coded” electronics (i.e. computer operations coded into a computer chip). The “instruction means” may be stored in the memory of a computer or on a computer readable medium such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, and a flash drive.
Once the predetermined threshold has been met, a signal is sent to the alarm 1006 to alert a user. The alarm is any suitable device for alerting someone, non-limiting examples of which include an audible alarm (such as a siren) and a visual alarm (such as a light).
In operation, a user is notified after the salt water has been sufficiently removed from the wetsuit, thereby allow a user to turn off the water to begin the drying process. When drying the wetsuit, a user is further notified when the wetsuit is dry
In conclusion, as shown in
The wetsuit rinsing hanger 100 will be able to rinse the wetsuit 1100 thoroughly without any interaction from the user. Once the wetsuit 1100 is rinsed the user simply turns off the fluid 500 and lets the wetsuit 1100 hang to dry, thus greatly simplifying the rinsing and drying process and prolonging the life of the wetsuit 1100. Additionally, a sensor system may be included that notifies a user when the wetsuit 1100 has been thoroughly rinsed and dried.
This application is a Non-Provisional Patent Application, claiming the benefit of priority to provisional application No. 60/579,502, filed in the United States on Jun. 14, 2004, titled “Wetsuit rinsing hanger.”
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60579502 | Jun 2004 | US |
