DIVER'S PACK
United States Patent 3842611
A diver's pack of compact construction comprises a lightweight frame carrying a pair of shoulder hooks designed to be hung over a vessel rail; improved air tank holder structure on the frame; and an openable chamber on the frame to release ballast particles when activated by the diver. Quick release shoulder straps are also provided.
US Patent References:
Pack board
Weber et al. - August 1936 - 2050822
Pack frame
Miller - July 1955 - 2712404
Combined air tank and weight carrier
Edmund - January 1961 - 2968159
Skin diving harness construction
Lande - November 1962 - 3065888
Umbrella support
White - February 1964 - 3120332
Pack board
Weber et al. - August 1936 - 2050822
Pack frame
Miller - July 1955 - 2712404
Combined air tank and weight carrier
Edmund - January 1961 - 2968159
Skin diving harness construction
Lande - November 1962 - 3065888
Umbrella support
White - February 1964 - 3120332
Application Number:
05/374473
Publication Date:
10/22/1974
Filing Date:
06/28/1973
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
114/315
International Classes:
B63C11/02; B63C11/30; B63C11/02
Field of Search:
114/16R,16E,16A 61/69R,70 128/142,142.2,142.4 224/5BC,5P,6,25R,25A
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Blix, Trygve M.
Assistant Examiner:
Barefoot, Galen L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Haefliger, William W.
Claims:
I claim
1. In a diver's pack, the combination comprising:
2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said holder means includes an adjustable clamp carried by the frame.
3. The invention of claim 2 including the air tank structure releasably supported by the holder means at the rear side of the frame, and a compressible cushion attached to the frame at the front side thereof to cushion loading applied to the diver's back, there also being cushioning means on the hooks to cushion loading applied to the diver's shoulders.
4. The invention of claim 1 including the ballast particles in the chamber.
1. In a diver's pack, the combination comprising:
2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said holder means includes an adjustable clamp carried by the frame.
3. The invention of claim 2 including the air tank structure releasably supported by the holder means at the rear side of the frame, and a compressible cushion attached to the frame at the front side thereof to cushion loading applied to the diver's back, there also being cushioning means on the hooks to cushion loading applied to the diver's shoulders.
4. The invention of claim 1 including the ballast particles in the chamber.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to scuba diving equipment, and more particularly concerns an improved pack which is lightweight, compact, and substantially enhances underwater safety.
There is a continual need for improvement in scuba diving equipment, especially packs which carry the air tank or tanks used by divers. For example, present packs lack the compact, lightweight and safety features now provided by the present invention, significantly enhancing the utility of such equipment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a major object of the invention to provide a diver's pack meeting the above needs. Basically, the pack comprises a lightweight frame carrying a pair of shoulder hooks designed to be easily hung over a vessel rail while a diver enters or leaves the water; improved air tank holder or clamp means on the frame; and structure carried by the frame to release ballast pieces or particles when activated by the diver. The latter structure may with unusual advantages comprise a ballast chamber having a releasable closure which may be quickly opened by the diver to release the ballast, as will be seen; also, provision is made for connection of either single or multiple air tank retaining clamp straps to the frame.
Additional objects include the provision of straps extending between the frame and terminals of the shoulder hooks, to fit under the diver's arms, the straps having quick release connections enabling the diver to release himself from the pack in an underwater emergency, as for example, in heavy surf or if the pack becomes entangled or trapped, underwater. Such straps may be stored in another compartment carried by the frame between the frame plate and the air tank clamp connection to the frame.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details of an illustrative embodiment will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings, in which:
DRAWING DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a diver's pack incorporating the invention;
FIG. 2 is an elevation taken on lines 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an elevation taken on lines 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an elevation taken in section in lines 4--4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an elevation taken in section on lines 5--5 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is an elevation showing the inner side of the pack frame;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged elevation taken on lines 7--7 of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a view like FIG. 1 showing a modified form of the invention; and
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a boat supporting the FIG. 1 pack.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In accordance with the invention, the pack 9 includes a lightweight frame and a pair of diver's shoulder hooks thereon, the hooks being substantially rigid to hook over and support the pack on a vessel rail. In the illustrated example, the frame generally designated at 10 includes a rigid metal back plate 11 which may consist of aluminum and support an elastomer sheet 12 at the inside of the plate to cushion against the back of the diver. The lower extent of the upright plate 11 includes laterally oppositely extending tabs 11a which are bent or project forwardly as shown in FIG. 8 to conform to the curvature of the diver's back. A belt 13 is connected to the tabs, as by passage through vertical slits 14 in the latter, to attach the plate to the diver's trunk, about which the belt is removably connectable as via suitable buckle means 13a and 13b seen in FIG. 6.
Diver's shoulder hooks include metal hook members 15 having end portions 15a attached as by fasteners 16 to the upper extent 11b of plate 11, at the rear side of the latter. Elastomer sleeves 17 extend along and about metallic hook members 15 to cushion the load transferred via the hooks to the shoulders of the diver. FIG. 9 shows the hooks supporting the pack 9 on the rail 18 of a vessel 19. In use, a diver may thereby support the relatively heavy pack on the vessel as he enters or leaves the water, the pack thus being readily transferrable onto or off the diver's shoulders while he is in the water, and at the surface.
The invention also includes holder means on the pack frames to support air tank structure. In the FIGS. 1-7 example, the holder means generally designated at 20 includes an adjustable clamp carried by the frame, the clamp including two generally C-shaped wide metal strap sections 21 terminally interconnected by webs 22 and 23. Adjustable fasteners 24 interconnect the webs to enable closing of the gap between the latter for tightening the like C-shaped sections 21 about a pair of air tanks 25 slipped into positions within the clamp sections as seen in FIG. 1. The fasteners 24 also pass through the web 26a of a metal bracket 26 which also may be considered to form part of the holder means. That bracket includes legs 26b removably connected by fasteners 27 with angled metal tangs 28 integrally connected with the frame plate, as via structure 29. The latter may form a rigid metallic enclosure that includes a rear wall 30, sidewalls 31, bottom wall 32 and a removable or openable top 33 as seen in FIG. 5. An adjustable fastener 34 passes through the top 33 and has threaded connection at 35 with a flange 36 integral with wall 30, allowing opening of top 33, when desirably to give access to the interior 37 of the enclosure. Articles such as belting may be stored in that enclosure, as will be referred to.
A further feature of the invention concerns the provision of structure on the frame to releasably retain auxiliary weight or ballast means for selective release by the diver when desired, enabling the diver to rise to the surface. In the example, such structure may advantageously include a chamber, as at 38 for example, for reception of heavy metal particles or pieces, the chamber having a bottom closure 39. Such particles may for example consist of pieces of lead, such as No. 2 shot indicated at 40. A manually operable release 41 is shown as connected with the closure to open it enabling free dropping of the metal particles from the interior 42 of the ballast chamber. The release may have a handle indicated at 43 in FIG. 5, and comprise a rod projecting through the sidewall 44 and through an "eye" 45 attached to the closure. Upon out-pulling of the release against the resistance of a compression spring 46, the rod 41 is removed from the "eye" to allow down-swinging of the closure about the axis of hinge 47, and to a down-position indicated at 39a in FIG. 5. Note that there is no pack structure beneath the closure, so that escape of the ballast particles is not blocked. The lead shot particles may be introduced into chamber 38, with closure 39 closed, as via a side port 50 in wall 44. A removable cap 51 has threaded connection with a nipple 52 carried by that wall, to close port 50. Up to 10 pounds of lead shot may be placed in that chamber, as compared with a total pack weight (without the shot) or about 6 pounds, for example.
The opposite side wall 53 of chamber 38 carries a projecting threaded stud 54 to which a tool 55 is connectible as via wing nut 56, and tool 55 may comprise a wrench or other means for loosening and tightening fastener nuts on the pack.
Another feature of the invention concerns the provision of strap means extending between the frame and the terminals of the hooks to fit under the diver's arms, the strap means including sections and quick release connections therebetween for disconnecting the sections at the option of the diver. This enables the underwater diver to free himself from the pack in an emergency, for example, if the pack becomes tangled in kelp or jammed against rocks or coral. In the example seen in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, the strap sections are indicated at 60 and 61, with snap interconnection at 62. Sections 60 are connected to the tubular terminals 63 of the metal hooks, as via retainer plugs 64 having threaded shanks 65 that pass through openings 66 in strap section end fittings 67. The latter are clamped to the ends of the terminals 63 by the plug flanges 68. Shanks 65 have threaded interfit with the terminal bores. Sections 61 have end clips 69 which releasably clip into slits 70 in the frame plate 11. For quick release, the diver merely unsnaps the connections 62. Belt sections 60 and 61 may be folded and stored in the compartment or enclosure interior 37 previously discussed.
The modification seen in FIG. 8 is the same as described above, except only one air bottle clamp 75 is mounted on the pack. The terminals 76 and 77 of the C-shaped clamp strap may be adjustably tightened toward one another as by the fastener 78, one end of which is headed at 79 and the other end of which has threaded connection with nut 80 on the clamp terminal 77. A tightening handle appears at 81, and cannot be loosened in view of its interference with clamp 75 when the handle is turned about the axis of fastener 78. A spring 81 urges the terminals apart. Ears 83 attached to the clamp 75 have releasable connection at 84 to the lugs 28. Also in FIG. 8, brackets 88 connect the enclosure structure 89 to lugs 28 to the frame plate 11.
Holes 87 may be provided in the frame plate 11, for tying or connecting auxiliary articles or equipment to the pack, as for example, flotation equipment.
This invention relates generally to scuba diving equipment, and more particularly concerns an improved pack which is lightweight, compact, and substantially enhances underwater safety.
There is a continual need for improvement in scuba diving equipment, especially packs which carry the air tank or tanks used by divers. For example, present packs lack the compact, lightweight and safety features now provided by the present invention, significantly enhancing the utility of such equipment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a major object of the invention to provide a diver's pack meeting the above needs. Basically, the pack comprises a lightweight frame carrying a pair of shoulder hooks designed to be easily hung over a vessel rail while a diver enters or leaves the water; improved air tank holder or clamp means on the frame; and structure carried by the frame to release ballast pieces or particles when activated by the diver. The latter structure may with unusual advantages comprise a ballast chamber having a releasable closure which may be quickly opened by the diver to release the ballast, as will be seen; also, provision is made for connection of either single or multiple air tank retaining clamp straps to the frame.
Additional objects include the provision of straps extending between the frame and terminals of the shoulder hooks, to fit under the diver's arms, the straps having quick release connections enabling the diver to release himself from the pack in an underwater emergency, as for example, in heavy surf or if the pack becomes entangled or trapped, underwater. Such straps may be stored in another compartment carried by the frame between the frame plate and the air tank clamp connection to the frame.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details of an illustrative embodiment will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings, in which:
DRAWING DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a diver's pack incorporating the invention;
FIG. 2 is an elevation taken on lines 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an elevation taken on lines 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an elevation taken in section in lines 4--4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an elevation taken in section on lines 5--5 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is an elevation showing the inner side of the pack frame;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged elevation taken on lines 7--7 of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a view like FIG. 1 showing a modified form of the invention; and
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a boat supporting the FIG. 1 pack.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In accordance with the invention, the pack 9 includes a lightweight frame and a pair of diver's shoulder hooks thereon, the hooks being substantially rigid to hook over and support the pack on a vessel rail. In the illustrated example, the frame generally designated at 10 includes a rigid metal back plate 11 which may consist of aluminum and support an elastomer sheet 12 at the inside of the plate to cushion against the back of the diver. The lower extent of the upright plate 11 includes laterally oppositely extending tabs 11a which are bent or project forwardly as shown in FIG. 8 to conform to the curvature of the diver's back. A belt 13 is connected to the tabs, as by passage through vertical slits 14 in the latter, to attach the plate to the diver's trunk, about which the belt is removably connectable as via suitable buckle means 13a and 13b seen in FIG. 6.
Diver's shoulder hooks include metal hook members 15 having end portions 15a attached as by fasteners 16 to the upper extent 11b of plate 11, at the rear side of the latter. Elastomer sleeves 17 extend along and about metallic hook members 15 to cushion the load transferred via the hooks to the shoulders of the diver. FIG. 9 shows the hooks supporting the pack 9 on the rail 18 of a vessel 19. In use, a diver may thereby support the relatively heavy pack on the vessel as he enters or leaves the water, the pack thus being readily transferrable onto or off the diver's shoulders while he is in the water, and at the surface.
The invention also includes holder means on the pack frames to support air tank structure. In the FIGS. 1-7 example, the holder means generally designated at 20 includes an adjustable clamp carried by the frame, the clamp including two generally C-shaped wide metal strap sections 21 terminally interconnected by webs 22 and 23. Adjustable fasteners 24 interconnect the webs to enable closing of the gap between the latter for tightening the like C-shaped sections 21 about a pair of air tanks 25 slipped into positions within the clamp sections as seen in FIG. 1. The fasteners 24 also pass through the web 26a of a metal bracket 26 which also may be considered to form part of the holder means. That bracket includes legs 26b removably connected by fasteners 27 with angled metal tangs 28 integrally connected with the frame plate, as via structure 29. The latter may form a rigid metallic enclosure that includes a rear wall 30, sidewalls 31, bottom wall 32 and a removable or openable top 33 as seen in FIG. 5. An adjustable fastener 34 passes through the top 33 and has threaded connection at 35 with a flange 36 integral with wall 30, allowing opening of top 33, when desirably to give access to the interior 37 of the enclosure. Articles such as belting may be stored in that enclosure, as will be referred to.
A further feature of the invention concerns the provision of structure on the frame to releasably retain auxiliary weight or ballast means for selective release by the diver when desired, enabling the diver to rise to the surface. In the example, such structure may advantageously include a chamber, as at 38 for example, for reception of heavy metal particles or pieces, the chamber having a bottom closure 39. Such particles may for example consist of pieces of lead, such as No. 2 shot indicated at 40. A manually operable release 41 is shown as connected with the closure to open it enabling free dropping of the metal particles from the interior 42 of the ballast chamber. The release may have a handle indicated at 43 in FIG. 5, and comprise a rod projecting through the sidewall 44 and through an "eye" 45 attached to the closure. Upon out-pulling of the release against the resistance of a compression spring 46, the rod 41 is removed from the "eye" to allow down-swinging of the closure about the axis of hinge 47, and to a down-position indicated at 39a in FIG. 5. Note that there is no pack structure beneath the closure, so that escape of the ballast particles is not blocked. The lead shot particles may be introduced into chamber 38, with closure 39 closed, as via a side port 50 in wall 44. A removable cap 51 has threaded connection with a nipple 52 carried by that wall, to close port 50. Up to 10 pounds of lead shot may be placed in that chamber, as compared with a total pack weight (without the shot) or about 6 pounds, for example.
The opposite side wall 53 of chamber 38 carries a projecting threaded stud 54 to which a tool 55 is connectible as via wing nut 56, and tool 55 may comprise a wrench or other means for loosening and tightening fastener nuts on the pack.
Another feature of the invention concerns the provision of strap means extending between the frame and the terminals of the hooks to fit under the diver's arms, the strap means including sections and quick release connections therebetween for disconnecting the sections at the option of the diver. This enables the underwater diver to free himself from the pack in an emergency, for example, if the pack becomes tangled in kelp or jammed against rocks or coral. In the example seen in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, the strap sections are indicated at 60 and 61, with snap interconnection at 62. Sections 60 are connected to the tubular terminals 63 of the metal hooks, as via retainer plugs 64 having threaded shanks 65 that pass through openings 66 in strap section end fittings 67. The latter are clamped to the ends of the terminals 63 by the plug flanges 68. Shanks 65 have threaded interfit with the terminal bores. Sections 61 have end clips 69 which releasably clip into slits 70 in the frame plate 11. For quick release, the diver merely unsnaps the connections 62. Belt sections 60 and 61 may be folded and stored in the compartment or enclosure interior 37 previously discussed.
The modification seen in FIG. 8 is the same as described above, except only one air bottle clamp 75 is mounted on the pack. The terminals 76 and 77 of the C-shaped clamp strap may be adjustably tightened toward one another as by the fastener 78, one end of which is headed at 79 and the other end of which has threaded connection with nut 80 on the clamp terminal 77. A tightening handle appears at 81, and cannot be loosened in view of its interference with clamp 75 when the handle is turned about the axis of fastener 78. A spring 81 urges the terminals apart. Ears 83 attached to the clamp 75 have releasable connection at 84 to the lugs 28. Also in FIG. 8, brackets 88 connect the enclosure structure 89 to lugs 28 to the frame plate 11.
Holes 87 may be provided in the frame plate 11, for tying or connecting auxiliary articles or equipment to the pack, as for example, flotation equipment.