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US 6,332,424 B1Granted
Hands free signal device
OwnerStephen B. Frinkinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims15
A hands free signal device comprising:
- an inflatable member defining an internal volume;
- said inflatable member having an uninflated state and an elongate inflated state,
- a fitting having an inflation end;
- said inflation end connected to said inflatable member;
- said fitting further comprising a valve, said valve connected to an inflation source by a hose and operable to allow communication from said inflation source to said internal volume;
- and an actuator, said actuator connected directly to said valve for selectively opening and closing said valve to allow communication between said internal volume and said inflation source and cause said inflatable member to change from said uninflated state to said inflated state;
- wherein said inflatable member is rigidly attached to a BCD when said inflatable member is in said uninflated state and remains rigidly attached to said BCD when said inflatable member is in said inflated state.
4 more elements
An inflatable bands free signaling device comprising:
- a base attached to a scuba buoyancy compensation device, said base including a fitting adapted to engage with a scuba regulator hose, said fitting including a one way valve;
- a collapsible balloon rigidly attached to said base and in communication with said fitting;
- said collapsible balloon having a collapsed state and an elongate inflated state;
- said base attached to said scuba buoyancy compensation device when said collapsible balloon is in said collapsed state and when said collapsible balloon is in said inflated state;
- and
- an actuator connected directly to said valve an being adapted to open and close said valve.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.