Buoyancy Compensator Integrated Weight System

Abstract

A mechanism for releasably securing a weight-receiving pouch directly onto a buoyancy compensator vest as well as a buoyancy compensation system are provided. The mechanism comprises a first connecting element in the form of a linear rail. A second connecting element comprises a housing defining a slot/channel configured to be slidably received on the linear rail of the first connecting element. One of the first or second connecting elements is located on an external face of the buoyancy compensator vest. The other of the first or second connecting elements is located on/associated with the weight-receiving pouch. The buoyancy compensator system includes the buoyancy compensator vest. The first or second connecting element may be attached to a waist band of the vest.

Claims

1. A system for releasably securing a weight-receiving pouch directly onto a buoyancy compensator vest, comprising with integrated weight system comprising: a first connecting element including a linear rail; a second connecting element comprising a housing defining a slot configured to be slidably received on the linear rail; wherein: one of the first or second connecting elements is located on an external face of the buoyancy compensator vest; and the other one of the first or second connecting elements is associated with the weight-receiving pouch.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the linear rail is T-shaped having a head and a foot, the foot connecting the head to the buoyancy compensator vest, the head forming undercut regions which receive portions of the housing that define the slot.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the linear rail is T-shaped having a head, the linear rail being attached to the external face of the buoyancy compensator, portions of the housing defining the slot are located between the head of the linear rail and the external face of the buoyancy compensator vest to which the linear rail is attached.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first connecting element includes at least one engaging formation and the second connecting element has an engaging mechanism located within the housing configured to releasably engage the at least one engaging formation, the engaging mechanism configured to retain the first and second connecting elements in active engagement with each other and to facilitate intentional disengagement of the first and second connecting elements from each other by a user when required.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one engaging formation includes a first set of teeth including a first tooth formed in a first side edge of the head of the linear rail and a second tooth formed in a second side edge, opposite the first side edge, of the head of the linear rail.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the engaging mechanism includes a spring loaded catch including: a first arm pivotably mounted within the housing and having a first abutment for engaging the first tooth; a second arm pivotably mounted within the housing and having a second abutment for engaging the second tooth; wherein the first and second arms are biased towards one another by a biasing force.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first and second arms are oriented and configured to facilitate free sliding movement of the second connecting element onto the linear rail in a first direction and to engage the first and second teeth to prevent sliding movement of the second connecting element in a second direction, opposite the first direction, off of the linear rail.

8. The system of claim 7, further including a release mechanism connected to the first and second arms, the release mechanism, upon application of a release force, opening the first and second arms to disengage the first and second arms from the first and second teeth to allow the second connecting element to slide in the second element off of the linear rail.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the release mechanism includes a pull handle extending from the housing and operably connected to each of the first and second arms by a connection arrangement configured to open the first and second arms upon application of the release force.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the connecting arrangement includes a first connecting rod connected to the first arm and a second connecting rod connected to the second arm.

11. The system of claim 4, wherein: the engaging formation is a set of ratchet teeth formed on an outer face of the head, the ratchet teeth extending way from the external face; and the engaging mechanism includes a spring-loaded ratchet-catch configured to permit free sliding movement of the second connecting element onto the linear rail in a first direction and to engage with the ratchet teeth to prevent sliding movement of the second connecting element off of the linear rail in a second direction opposite the first direction.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the spring-loaded ratchet-catch is spring biased towards the external face when the second connecting element is mounted to the first connecting element.

13. The system of claim 6, wherein: the first arm has a first button extending outward of a first side of the housing; the second arm has a second button extending outward of a second side, opposite the first side of the housing; the first and second arms being in opposed relation such that an external load pinching the first and second buttons towards one another pivots the first and second arms to open the first and second arms and disengage the first and second arms from the first and second teeth.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein: the engaging mechanism includes at least one button outward of the housing, the button being slidable relative to the housing such that pressing the button a further extent into the housing disengages the ratchet-catch from the ratchet teeth.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein: the engaging mechanism includes at least one button extending outward of the housing, the button being slidable relative to the housing parallel to the first and second directions, the at least one button operably connected to the ratchet-catch; application of a sliding force parallel to the second direction actuates the ratchet catch out of engagement with the ratchet teeth permitting sliding movement of the second connecting element relative to the first connecting element in the second direction.

16. The system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the engaging formation or the engaging mechanism has a ramped face that permits the engaging mechanism to slide past engaging formation when sliding the second connecting element onto the first connecting element in the first direction.

17. A buoyancy compensation system comprising: a buoyancy compensator vest having a waist band and a first connecting element on an outward facing external surface of the waist band, the first connecting element including a T-shaped linear rail including a head and a foot, the foot spacing the head away from the external face of the waist band, the first connecting element including at least one engaging formation; and a weight-receiving pouch having a housing providing a second connecting element including a slot configured to be slidably received on the linear rail, the housing having first and second portions defining the slot therebetween, the first and second portions being located between the head and the external face when the first and second connecting elements are interconnected, the second connecting element, the second connecting element having an engaging mechanism located within the housing configured to releasably engage the at least one engaging formation to retain the first and second connecting elements in active engagement with each other by sliding the weight pouch onto the first connecting element in a first direction and configured to facilitate intentional disengagement of the first from the second connecting elements by actuation of the engaging mechanism by a user when required and sliding the weight pouch in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

18. The buoyancy compensation system of claim 17, wherein: the at least one engaging formation includes a first set of teeth including a first tooth formed in a first side edge of the head of the linear rail and a second tooth formed in a second side edge, opposite the first side edge, of the head of the linear rail; the engaging mechanism includes a spring loaded catch including: a first arm pivotably mounted within the housing and having a first abutment for engaging the first tooth; a second arm pivotably mounted within the housing and having a second abutment for engaging the second tooth; the first and second arms are biased towards one another by a biasing force that must be overcome to facilitate intentional disengagement of the first and second connecting elements.

19. The buoyancy compensation system of claim 17, wherein: the engaging formation is a set of ratchet teeth formed on an outer face of the head, the ratchet teeth extending way from the external face; and the engaging mechanism includes a spring-loaded ratchet-catch configured to permit free sliding movement of the second connecting element onto the linear rail in a first direction and to engage with the ratchet teeth to prevent sliding movement of the second connecting element off of the linear rail in a second direction opposite the first direction.

20. A method of using a buoyancy compensation system of claim 17, comprising: sliding the housing of the weight-receiving pouch onto the linear rail in the first direction without directly actuating the engaging mechanism until the engaging mechanism engages the at least one engaging formation; directly actuating the engaging mechanism to disengage the engaging mechanism from the at least one engaging formation; and sliding, with the engaging mechanism disengaged from the at least one engaging formation, the housing in the second direction to remove the weight-receiving pouch from the linear rail.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings, in which;

[0031] FIGS. 1a and 1b are representations of a prior art weight integration system;

[0032] FIGS. 2a and 2b are representations of a prior art weight integration system;

[0033] FIGS. 3a and 3b are representations of a prior art weight integration system;

[0034] FIGS. 4a and 4b are representations of a buoyancy compensator vest incorporating a weight integration system of the invention;

[0035] FIGS. 5a and 5b are further representations of a buoyancy compensator vest incorporating a weight integration system of the invention, wherein smaller weights are accommodated;

[0036] FIG. 6 is a rear isometric view of the second connecting element of the weight integration system;

[0037] FIG. 7a is a view of a first embodiment of the weight integration system, depicting the first and second connecting elements engaged and the weight pouch removed for ease of reference, with the engaging mechanism in the engaged position;

[0038] FIG. 7b is a representation of the embodiment of FIG. 7a, with the engaging mechanism in the dis-engaged position;

[0039] FIG. 8a is a representation of a second embodiment, depicting the first and second connecting elements engaged and the weight pouch removed for ease of reference, with the engaging mechanism in the engaged position;

[0040] FIG. 8b is a representation of the embodiment of FIG. 8a, with the engaging mechanism in the dis-engaged position;

[0041] FIG. 9a is a representation of a third embodiment, depicting the first and second connecting elements engaged and the weight pouch removed for ease of reference, with the engaging mechanism in the engaged position;

[0042] FIG. 9b is a representation of the embodiment of FIG. 9a, with the engaging mechanism in the dis-engaged position;

[0043] FIG. 10a is a representation of a fourth embodiment, depicting the first and second connecting elements engaged and the weight pouch removed for ease of reference, with the engaging mechanism in the engaged position;

[0044] FIG. 10b is a representation of the embodiment of FIG. 10a, with the engaging mechanism in the dis-engaged position;

[0045] FIG. 11a is a representation of a fifth embodiment, depicting the first and second connecting elements engaged and the weight pouch removed for ease of reference, with the engaging mechanism in the engaged position;

[0046] FIG. 11b is a representation of the embodiment of FIG. 11a, with the engaging mechanism in the dis-engaged position;

[0047] FIG. 12a is a representation of a sixth embodiment of the invention, depicting the first and second connecting elements engaged and the weight pouch removed for ease of reference, with the engaging mechanism in the engaged position;

[0048] FIG. 12b is a representation of the embodiment of FIG. 12a, with the engaging mechanism in the dis-engaged position

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of examples, is illustrative of principles associated with the examples and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes may be made to the embodiment/s depicted and described, while still attaining results of the present examples and/or without departing from the scope. Furthermore, it will be understood that some results or advantages of the present examples may be attained by selecting some of the features of the present examples without utilising other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognise that modifications and adaptations to the present examples may be possible and may even be desirable in certain circumstances, and may form part of the present application.

[0050] For ease of reference and understanding, like features of the invention are indicated by like numerals.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and 3a & 3b, existing prior art integrated weight systems generally consists of bottom or side opening pockets (102) mounted on the buoyancy compensator vest (100) adapted to receive one or more weight pouches (104).

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the weight pouch (104) is fitted with a mechanical buckle (106) that corresponds to a second mechanical buckle (108) on the buoyancy compensator (100) such that once the weight pouch (104) is inserted in the weight pocket (102), the two mechanical elements (106) & (108) connect to each other and secure the weight pouch (104) in the weight pocket (102).

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b and in an alternative embodiment, the weight pouch (104) includes an integral mechanical element (108) that connects to a second mechanical element (110) that is integral to the weight pocket (102) on the buoyancy compensator (100).

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 5a and 5b, an example facilitates the releasable attachment of, a weight pouch (10) directly onto a buoyancy compensator vest (12).

[0055] The mechanism facilitating direct attachment, comprises a first connecting element in the form of a T shaped linear rail (16) having a head and a foot located on an external face of a waistband (18) of the buoyancy compensator vest (12) and a second connecting element, associated with the weight pouch (10), comprising a housing (22) defining a slot/channel (24) (see FIG. 6) at the back of the pouch. The slot (24) is slidably receivable on the linear rail (16) of the first connecting element to provide a T-slot like interface between the first and second connecting elements. This T-slot like interface between the two connecting elements fully supports the weight of the weight pouch (10) eliminating the need for an outer pocket or receptacle, to house the weight pouch. The foot of the linear rail extending through a mouth of the slot. The head forming undercut regions receiving portions of the second connecting element defining the mouth of the slot.

[0056] The linear rail (16) is mechanically secured to the waistband (18) of the buoyancy compensator vest (12) by various means including, but not limited to, threading, stitching or moulding the first connecting element onto the waistband.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 7a & 7b to 12a & 12b, one or more engaging formations are located on the head of the linear rail (16), to prevent the second connecting element and weight pouch (10) from sliding off the rail (16).

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b and 12a and 12b, and in one embodiment, the engaging formations comprise a plurality of teeth (30) extending in the horizontal plane from opposite side edges of the head of the rail (16).

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, and in an alternative embodiment, the engaging formations comprise a single pair of teeth (32) extending from opposite side edges of the head of the rail (16).

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b and 11a and 11b, and in further alternative embodiments, the engaging formations comprise a plurality of teeth (34) (ratchet teeth) extending from the upper face of the head of the rail (16).

[0061] The engaging formations (30, 32, 34) are configured to releasably engage with an engaging mechanism located in the housing (22) of the second connecting element. The engaging mechanism is configured to retain the T shaped linear rail (16) of the first connecting element in active engagement with the slot (24) in the housing (22) of the second connecting element and to facilitate intentional disengagement of the first and second connecting elements from each other, when required.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, the engaging mechanism comprises a pair of inwardly bent arms (40) extending inwards from either side of the housing (22), each arm pivotably mounted on a pivot point (42) in the housing and biased towards the centre of the housing (22) by a spring (44). The arms (40) are oriented to facilitate forward sliding movement of the second connecting element in a first direction onto the rail (16) of the first connecting element and to engage with one or more of the teeth (30) to prevent unauthorised sliding movement of the second connecting element away in a second direction from/off the first connecting element.

[0063] The rear of each arm (40) extends through an aperture in the side wall (46) of the housing (22) to provide a release button (48). Referring to FIG. 7b, depressing the buttons (48) pivots each arm (40) about its pivot point (42) against the bias of the spring (44), to open the arms (40) and release them from the teeth (30).

[0064] A pull handle (50) extends from the rear of the housing (22) and is connected to each arm (40) by connecting rods (52). The pull handle (50) is configured to pull and pivot the arms (40) open against the bias of the spring (44) and release the arms from the teeth on application of a pulling force on the handle (50). In this manner, by pulling on the handle (50), a diver can release the engaging mechanism and slide the second connecting element and associated weight pouch (10) off the rail of the first connecting element.

[0065] In this manner, the arms (40) may be released from the teeth (30) either by depressing the buttons (48) or by pulling on the handle (50), or by a combination of both actions.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the engaging mechanism comprises a pair of arms (60) with clasps (62). Each arm (60) is pivotably mounted on a pivot point (64) in the housing. The arms (60) are linked to one another by a leaf spring (65), which extends between the pivot points (64) and biases the clasps (62) inwards towards the rail (16). The arms (60) are oriented to facilitate sliding movement of the second connecting element onto the rail (16) of the first connecting element), and to prevent unauthorised sliding movement of the second connecting element away from the first connecting element, by engaging with the teeth (32) once the weight pouch is fully inserted on the rail (16).

[0067] The rear of each arm (60) extends through an aperture in the side wall (46) of the housing (22) to provide a release button (66). Referring to FIG. 8b, depressing the button (66) pivots the arm (60) on the pivot point (64) against the bias of the leaf spring (65), the arms (60) release the teeth (32).

[0068] A pull handle (50) extends from the rear of the housing (22) and is connected to each arm (60) by connecting rods (68). The pull handle (50) is configured to pivot the arms (60) open against the bias of the leaf spring (65) on application of a pulling force on the handle (50) by the diver.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the alternative engaging mechanism comprises a spring-loaded ratchet-catch (70) oriented to facilitate sliding movement of the second connecting element onto the first connecting element and to engage with the ratchet teeth (34) to prevent sliding movement of the second connecting element and its associated weight pouch (10) off the rail (16) of the first connecting element.

[0070] The spring-loaded ratchet-catch (70) facilitates sliding movement of the second connecting element along the rail (16) in one direction, but resists movement in the other direction by catching on one of the teeth (34). Referring to FIG. 9b, to release the second connecting element, the diver depresses the buttons (72) which disengages the ratchet-catch (70) and allows the second connecting element to slide freely.

[0071] FIGS. 10a and 10b depict an alternate embodiment of the embodiment of FIGS. 9a and 9b. In FIGS. 10a and 10b, the ratchet-catch (70) is connected to a release handle (74) by connecting rods (76) such that by either pulling the release handle (74) or sliding the provided buttons (78) (FIG. 10b), the diver can release the ratchet-catch (70) and slide the second connecting element and associated weight pouch (10) off the rail (16).

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 11a and 11b, and in a further alternative embodiment, the catches (80) of the ratchet catch (70) are connected to the release handle (74) by connecting rods (76). Referring to FIG. 11b, the catches (80) can be activated to disengage the ratchet catch (70) by pulling the release handle (74) or depressing the buttons (82).

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 12a and 12b, in an alternative embodiment to that depicted in FIGS. 7a and 7b, the engaging mechanism comprises a pair of arms (90), the free ends of which terminate in clasps (92). Each arm (90) is pivotably mounted on a pivot point (95) in the housing (22) and is further connected to a connecting rod (98) at a second point (94). The connecting rods (98) are biased towards the arms (90) by helical springs (96), causing the arms (90) to rotate inwards around the pivot points (95) and biasing the arms inwards towards the rail (16) such that the clasps (92) engage with the teeth (30) of the rail (16). The clasps (92) are oriented to facilitate forward sliding movement of the second connecting element onto the rail (16) of the first connecting element and to engage with one or more of the teeth (30) extending from the head of the rail (16) to prevent unauthorised sliding movement of the second connecting element away from/off the first connecting element.

[0074] A pull handle (50) extends from the rear of the housing (22) and is connected to the connecting rods (98). In use, when a pulling force is applied to the pull handle (50), the pull handle (50) pulls the rods (98) against the bias of the spring (96) subsequently pivoting the arms (90) open about the pivot points (95) to release the clasps (92) from the teeth (30) of the rail (16). In this manner, by pulling on the handle (50), a diver can release the engaging mechanism and slide the second connecting element and associated weight pouch (10) off the rail of the first connecting element, if so required.

[0075] The application therefore provides a novel weight integration system for a buoyancy compensator vest, which allows for the complete removal or simplification of the prior art weight pocket (104) (depicted in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and 3a & 3b), or receptacle, from the buoyancy compensator, streamlining the buoyancy compensator, and simplifying the attachment and removal of the weight pouches.

[0076] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0077] The use of the terms a and an and the and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms comprising, having, including, and containing are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning including, but not limited to,) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., such as) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0078] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.