Modular locking connectors for portable harness systems, methods and devices
AssigneeAqua Lung America, Inc.
InventorsDavid SULLIVAN, Eric THORSTENSON, Patty YATES, Don ROCKWELL
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This disclosure relates to modular locking connectors that enable discrete and fully separate components to be easily, quickly, and interchangeably connected together to result in a fully functional buoyancy compensator device. These separate components may include shoulders, waistbands, back panels, bladders or other buoyancy chambers, pockets including those for ballasting weights, and accessories such as knives, lights, signaling devices and the like.
Claims23
A modular locking connector comprising:
- a male portion having a substantially flat base, the flat base defining an XY plane, and a post, having a length and an interior, the length of the post defining a Z plane, protruding perpendicularly from the flat base, the post including an enlarged top with a recess, and the post including a cutout, aligned in the XY plane, to allow insertion of a release tool, and the interior surface of the post having a ridge;
- and
- a female portion having a substantially flat base, a raised receiving area with a retaining channel including a lip, and a lock including a flexible end and locking end, wherein, when engaged with the male portion, the female portion is freely rotating about the male portion.
A buoyancy compensator assembly for scuba diving comprising:
- a. A back component having two corresponding shoulder connectors, two corresponding waist connectors, and a corresponding tank support connector;
- b. A left waist belt component which includes a corresponding connector for connection to the back component;
- c. A right waist belt component which includes a corresponding connector for connection to the back component;
- d. A left shoulder component which includes a corresponding connector for connection to the back component;
- e. A right shoulder component which includes a corresponding connector for connection to the back component;
- f. An air cell;
- and
- g. A tank support,
- wherein the back component, the two waist belt components, and the two shoulder components are interchangeable.
A method of manufacturing a buoyancy compensator including manufacturing a back component, manufacturing shoulder components, and manufacturing waist belt components, which are connectable to each other and when connected create a skeleton structure which provides interchangeability of each of the back component, shoulder components, and waist belt components to provide full assembly of a customized buoyancy compensator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.