U.S. patent application number 11/210979 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-01 for dive tank support device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Scuba Mate, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jack Scheper, Michael Scheper.
Application Number | 20070045489 11/210979 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37802721 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070045489 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scheper; Jack ; et
al. |
March 1, 2007 |
Dive tank support device
Abstract
A dive tank support device for supporting a dive tank while a
diver is attempting to attach the dive tank to the diver's body
immediately before jumping from a vessel and beginning a dive. The
dive tank support device may be formed from a body having a bottom
support adapted to support a dive tank and at least one sidewall
extending up from the bottom support and configured to limit
tilting of the dive tank relative to the bottom support. The body
supports the dive tank and the recess enables the dive tank to be
easily pulled from the dive tank support device once a diver has
attached the dive tank to himself.
Inventors: |
Scheper; Jack; (Boca Raton,
FL) ; Scheper; Michael; (Boca Raton, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AKERMAN SENTERFITT
P.O. BOX 3188
WEST PALM BEACH
FL
33402-3188
US
|
Assignee: |
Scuba Mate, Inc.
Boca Raton
FL
|
Family ID: |
37802721 |
Appl. No.: |
11/210979 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/213.2 ;
248/311.2; 248/371 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C 2011/2281 20130101;
B63C 11/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/213.2 ;
248/371; 248/311.2 |
International
Class: |
A47G 29/00 20060101
A47G029/00 |
Claims
1. A dive tank support device, comprising: a body having a bottom
support adapted to support a dive tank and at least one sidewall
extending up from the bottom support and configured to limit
tilting of the dive tank relative to the bottom support; wherein
the body has at least one dive tank removal recess in the sidewall
of body configured to enable the dive tank to be removed from the
support device through the sidewall of the body.
2. The dive tank support device of claim 1, further comprising a
support system coupled to the body for supporting the body and a
dive tank in the body on a vessel.
3. The dive tank support device of claim 2, wherein the support
system is coupled to the body for supporting the body and the dive
tank in the body in close proximity to a covering board of a
gunnel.
4. The dive tank support device of claim 3, wherein the support
system comprises at least one shaft extending from the body and
configured to be received within a rod holder attached to a
vessel.
5. The dive tank support device of claim 4, wherein the support
system further comprises an adjustment system enabling the body to
be rotated relative to the support system.
6. The dive tank support device of claim 5, wherein the adjustment
system comprises at least one ball joint adapted to enable rotation
of the body relative to the support system about two axes.
7. The dive tank support device of claim 6, wherein the adjustment
system further comprises at least one locking arm for securing the
body in a position relative to the at least one shaft.
8. The dive tank support device of claim 4, wherein the shaft is
positioned at an angle of between about ten degrees and about
thirty five degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the
body.
9. The dive tank support device of claim 8, wherein the shaft is
positioned at an angle of about fifteen degrees relative to the
longitudinal axis of the body.
10. The dive tank support device of claim 8, wherein the shaft is
positioned at an angle of about thirty degrees relative to the
longitudinal axis of the body.
11. The dive tank support device of claim 1, wherein the body is
generally cylindrical and has a width that is larger than a dive
tank to be received within the body.
12. The dive tank support device of claim 1, wherein the recess in
the body extends from an upper edge of the body to a position in
close proximity with the bottom support and has a width that is
larger than a dive tank to be received within the body.
13. A dive tank support device, comprising: a body having a bottom
support adapted to support a dive tank and at least one generally
cylindrical sidewall extending up from the bottom support and
configured to limit tilting of the dive tank relative to the bottom
support; wherein the body has at least one dive tank removal recess
in the sidewall of body configured to enable the dive tank to be
removed from the support device through the sidewall of the body;
and a support system coupled to the body for supporting the body
and a dive tank in the body on a vessel.
14. The dive tank support device of claim 13, wherein the support
system is coupled to the body for supporting the body and the dive
tank in the body in close proximity to a covering board of a
gunnel.
15. The dive tank support device of claim 14, wherein the support
system comprises at least one shaft extending from the body and
configured to be received within a rod holder attached to a
vessel.
16. The dive tank support device of claim 15, wherein the support
system further comprises an adjustment system enabling the body to
be rotated relative to the support system.
17. The dive tank support device of claim 16, wherein the
adjustment system comprises at least one ball joint adapted to
enable rotation of the body relative to the support system about
two axes.
18. The dive tank support device of claim 17, wherein the
adjustment system further comprises at least one locking arm for
securing the body in a position relative to the at least one
shaft.
19. The dive tank support device of claim 15, wherein the shaft is
positioned at an angle of between about ten degrees and about
thirty five degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the
body.
20. The dive tank support device of claim 19, wherein the shaft is
positioned at an angle of about fifteen degrees relative to the
longitudinal axis of the body.
21. The dive tank support device of claim 19, wherein the shaft is
positioned at an angle of about thirty degrees relative to the
longitudinal axis of the body.
22. The dive tank support device of claim 13, wherein the body is
generally cylindrical with a diameter larger than a dive tank
configured to be received within the body.
23. The dive tank support device of claim 13, wherein the recess in
the body extends from an upper edge of the body to a position in
close proximity with the bottom support and includes a diameter
larger than a dive tank configured to be received within the body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is directed generally to underwater diving,
and more specifically to devices for supporting dive tanks on a
vessel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional underwater breathing apparatuses typically
include a dive tank filled with compressed air or other appropriate
gases. Many conventional dive tanks are large, heavy and greatly
restrict a diver's mobility when not in the water. For instance,
some conventional dive tanks are cylindrical with a diameter of
about one foot and a height of about two and a half feet. Many
conventional dive tanks are formed from steel or aluminum, which
results in a tank that weighs between about thirty pounds and forty
pounds.
[0003] Most conventional underwater diving systems include a system
for mounting a dive tank to a diver so that the dive tank rests on
the back of the diver. The dive tank is usually mounted so that the
control valve is positioned in close proximity to the diver's head
and centered between the diver's shoulders. The dive tank is
typically held in place with a vest that fits around the chest of
the diver. The vest often includes bladders and is used as a
buoyancy control device (BCD) when the diver is underwater. Because
of the position of the control valve on the tank, the tank is not
positioned high on the diver's back. Rather, the dive tank is
positioned low on the diver's back. This position often makes it
difficult for a diver to move around a vessel.
[0004] Immediately before a dive, a diver suits up with all of the
necessary equipment, including a mask, snorkel, fins, BCD, tank,
gauges, and wetsuit, if necessary. While all of these items assist
a diver when the diver is underwater, these items are very
cumbersome when the diver is not in the water. Most cumbersome is
often the combination of the heavy tank on the diver's back and the
fins. Successfully attaching a dive tank to a diver is best
accomplished with the assistance of another person. The other
person stabilizes the tank while the diver inserts the diver's arms
through the arm holes in the BCD.
[0005] While assistance is easy to find on commercial dive boats
and on boats with a large crew, such assistance is not available
when diving alone or when diving from a boat with fewer occupants.
In such situations, a diver is often faced with the task of
attaching a dive tank to the diver with little or inadequate
assistance. Such a procedure often includes positioning the tank on
the deck or on another stable surface. However, a vessel is often
being tossed about by the seas and keeping a tank with a BCD
attached in an upright position can be difficult. Without
assistance, attaching a dive tank to a diver is a difficult
procedure. Thus, a need exists for a device that supports a dive
tank while a diver attaches the tank to the diver.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] This invention is directed to a dive tank support device
configured to support a dive tank while a diver attaches the tank
to the diver. The dive tank support device may enable a diver to
attach a dive tank to the diver without other assistance. In at
least one embodiment, the dive tank support device is designed to
be releasably attached to a gunnel of a vessel so that a diver may
place a dive tank in the dive tank support device without the tank
falling from the device. The diver may then attach the tank to the
diver and stand up with the tank attached to the diver's back. The
motion of standing up or moving away from the dive tank support
device removes the tank from the dive tank support device.
[0007] The dive tank support device may be formed from a body
having a bottom support adapted to support a dive tank and at least
one sidewall extending up from the bottom support and configured to
limit tilting of the dive tank relative to the bottom support. The
body may be generally cylindrical with a diameter larger than the
dive tank to be received within the body. The body may also include
at least one dive tank removal recess in the sidewall of the body
configured to enable the dive tank to be removed from the support
device through the sidewall of the body. The dive tank removal
recess in the body may extend from an upper edge of the body to a
position in close proximity with the bottom support. The dive tank
removal recess may have a width that is larger than a dive tank
configured to be received within the body.
[0008] A support system may be coupled to the body of the dive tank
support device for supporting a dive tank in the body of the dive
tank support device while on a vessel. The support system may be
coupled to the body of the dive tank support device for supporting
the dive tank in the body and in close proximity to a covering
board of a gunnel. In at least one embodiment, the support system
may be formed from at least one shaft extending from the body and
may be configured to be received within a rod holder attached to a
vessel. The support system may include an alignment system
configured to adjust the body relative to the support system. The
support system may include at least one ball joint coupled to the
body and to the shaft to enable rotation of the body about two axes
relative to the shaft. The support system may also include at least
one locking arm that may be used to secure the body in a position
relative to the at least one shaft.
[0009] In another embodiment, the shaft may be positioned at an
angle of between about ten degrees and about thirty five degrees
relative to a longitudinal axis of the body. In one embodiment, the
shaft may be positioned at an angle of about fifteen degrees or
thirty degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the body to
conform with conventional rod holder configurations.
[0010] The dive tank support device may be used by a diver to
assist the diver in attaching a dive tank to the diver. A diver may
secure an attachment device, such as a BCD, to a dive tank. The
dive tank support device may be attached to a vessel in a location
near the gunnel of the vessel. In at least one embodiment, a shaft
of the dive tank support device may be inserted into a rod holder
in the gunnel of the vessel, thereby releasably attaching the dive
tank support device to the vessel. The diver may position the dive
tank in the dive tank support device by inserting the dive tank
into the dive tank removal recess. The diver may then attach the
dive tank to the diver by inserting the diver's arms through the
arm holes in the BCD and securing the appropriate straps. Once the
dive tank is attached to the diver, the diver may move away from
the dive tank support device, such as by leaning forward, to remove
the dive tank from the dive tank support device. As the diver moves
from the dive tank support device, the tank is supported by the
diver's shoulders and back. The diver may then move next to the
gunnel and fall over the gunnel to begin a dive. The diver is not
required to walk a distance to be able to enter the water and begin
a dive.
[0011] An advantage of this invention is that the dive tank support
device assists a diver in enabling the diver to attach a dive tank
and BCD to the diver without assistance from another person.
[0012] Another advantage of this invention is that the dive tank
support device enables a diver to attach a dive tank to the diver
in close proximity to the location where the diver will enter the
water, thereby reducing the distance the diver travels to enter the
water and the awkwardness associated with such movement.
[0013] Yet another advantage of the dive tank support device is
that the dive tank support device is removable and configured to
fit within a conventional rod holder. Thus, a vessel having
conventional rod holders does not need to be adapted. Rather, a
dive tank support device may be attached to the vessel quickly by
simply inserting a shaft of the dive tank support device into the
rod holder. A removable dive tank support device is very desirable
for vessels that are not used as dive boats all of the time. The
dive tank support device can be quickly installed in a rod holder
when needed and can be removed as easily.
[0014] These and other embodiments will be described in more detail
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the
presently disclosed invention and, together with the description,
disclose the principles of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dive tank support device
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front view of the dive tank support device shown
in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the dive tank support device
shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the support system of the
dive tank support device.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the dive tank support device
attached to a rod holder on a vessel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, this invention is directed to a dive
tank support device 10 configured to support a dive tank 12 while a
diver attaches the tank 12 to the diver. The dive tank support
device 10 may support a dive tank 12 without other assistance and
may enable the dive tank 12 to be pulled from the dive tank support
device 10 by a diver to which the dive tank 12 is attached. In at
least one embodiment, the dive tank support device 10 is designed
to be releasably attached to a gunnel 14 of a vessel 16 so that a
diver may place a dive tank 12 in the dive tank support device 10
without the tank 12 falling from the device 10. The diver may then
attach the tank 10 to the diver and stand up with the tank 12
attached to the diver's back. The motion of a diver standing up or
moving away from the dive tank support device 10 may remove the
tank 12 from the dive tank support device 10.
[0022] The dive tank support device 10 may be formed from a body 18
having a bottom support 20 adapted to support a dive tank 12. The
bottom support 20 may be formed form any configuration capable of
supporting a dive tank 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom support
20 may be a solid surface. The bottom support 20 may include
drainage holes 22 for removing water from the device 10. The body
18 of the device 10 may include one or more sidewalls 24 for
retaining a dive tank 12. The sidewalls 24 may extend up from the
bottom support 20 and may be configured to limit tilting of the
dive tank 12 out of alignment with a longitudinal axis 26.
[0023] The body 18 may have any appropriate size and shape for
containing the dive tank 12. It is well understood that dive tanks
12 are made in numerous heights and diameters. Thus, the dive tank
support device 10 may have numerous embodiments configured to
receive different sized tanks 12. In at least one embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 1, the body 18 may be generally cylindrical. The body
18 may have a diameter larger than a dive tank 12 configured to be
received within the body 18. The body 18 may be formed from
materials appropriate to handle the load of a dive tank 12 and the
corrosive effects of saltwater. In at least one embodiment, the
body 18 may be formed from a marine grade polymer material.
[0024] The body 18 may also include at least one dive tank removal
recess 28 in the sidewall 24 of the body 18. The dive tank removal
recess 28 may be configured to enable a dive tank 12 to be removed
from the dive tank support device 10 through-the sidewall 24 of the
body 18. The dive tank removal recess 28 in the body 18 may extend
from an upper edge 30 of the body 18 to a position in close
proximity with the bottom support 20, as shown in FIG. 1. A dive
tank retaining wall 32 of the body 18 may remain under the dive
tank removal recess 28 to retain a dive tank 12 in the body 18. The
dive tank removal recess 28 may have a width that is larger than a
dive tank 12 that is capable of being configured to be received
within the body. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1,
the dive tank removal recess 28 may extend approximately 180
degrees of a cylindrical sidewall 24. In another embodiment, the
dive tank removal recess 28 may extend around an arcuate path
greater than 180 degrees. If the dive tank removal recess 28 is
smaller than 180 degrees, the sidewall 24 should be formed from a
flexible material to enable the sidewalls to flex to enable a dive
tank 12 to be pulled through the dive tank removal recess 28.
[0025] The dive tank support device 10 may also include a support
system 34 that may be coupled to the body 18 for supporting a dive
tank 12 in the body 18 on a vessel 16. In at least one embodiment,
the support system 34 may be coupled to the body 18 for supporting
a dive tank 12 in close proximity to a covering board 36 of a
gunnel 14. The support system 34 may be formed from at least one
shaft 38 extending from the body 18. In at least one embodiment,
the shaft 38 may be configured to be received within a rod holder
40 attached to a vessel 16. The shaft 38 may include a plurality of
slots 42 in a lower edge 44 of the shaft 38 enabling the shaft 38
to engage a cross-support (not shown) in the rod holder 40 to
increase stability of the shaft 38 in the rod holder 40. The shaft
38 may be formed from materials appropriate to handle the load of a
dive tank 12 and the corrosive effects of saltwater. In at least
one embodiment, the shaft 38 may be formed from a stainless steel
or other appropriate material.
[0026] The support system 34 may also include an adjustment system
46 configured to move the body 18 relative to the shaft 38. The
adjustment system 46 enables the bottom support 20 to be positioned
relatively horizontal regardless of the angle at which the shaft 38
is attached to a vessel 16. The adjustment system 46 may also
enable the bottom surface 20 to be slightly tilted away from the
side of the dive tank removal recess 28 to create a force pushing a
dive tank 12 away from the dive tank removal recess 28. In at least
one embodiment, the adjustment system 46 may be formed from at
least one ball joint 48 positioned between the shaft 38 and the
body 18. The ball joint 48 may enable rotation of the body 18
relative to the shaft 38 about two axes. The position of the body
18 relative to the shaft 38 may be held in position using a locking
arm 50. The locking arm 50 may be rotated in a first direction to
release the body 18 to rotate and tilt relative to the shaft 38 and
the locking arm 50 may be rotated in a second direction to affix
the body 18 in a position relative to the shaft 38.
[0027] The support system 18, as shown in FIG. 5, may position the
body 18 at an angle 52 of between about ten degrees and about
thirty five degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 26 of the
body 18. In one embodiment, the shaft 38 may be positioned at an
angle 52 of about fifteen degrees or thirty degrees relative to the
longitudinal axis 26 of the body 18 to conform with conventional
rod holder 40 configurations.
[0028] The dive tank support device 10 may be used by a diver to
assist the diver in attaching a dive tank 12 to the diver. A diver
may first secure an attachment device, such as a BCD (not shown),
to a dive tank 12 if not already done so. The dive tank support
device 10 may be attached to a vessel 16, such as near the gunnel
14 of the vessel 16. In at least one embodiment, a shaft 38 of the
dive tank support device 10 may be inserted into a rod holder 40 in
the gunnel 14 of the vessel 16. The diver may position the dive
tank 12 in the dive tank support device 10 by inserting the dive
tank through the dive tank removal recess. The diver may then
attach the dive tank 12 to the diver by inserting the diver's arms
through the arm holes in the BCD and securing the appropriate
straps. Once the dive tank 12 is attached to the diver, the diver
may move away from the dive tank support device 10 to remove the
dive tank 12 from the dive tank support device. The diver may take
a step in the direction the diver is facing so that the dive tank
12 is pulled from the body 18. As the diver moves from the dive
tank support device 10, the dive tank 12 is supported by the
diver's shoulders and back. The diver may then move next to the
gunnel 14 and fall over the gunnel 14 into the water to begin a
dive.
[0029] It should be understood that the examples and embodiments
described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that
various modifications or changes in light thereof will be obvious
to persons skilled in the art, and that such modifications or
changes are to be included within the spirit and purview of this
application. Moreover, the invention can take other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential attributes
thereof.
* * * * *