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(11) | EP 3 816 033 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | SCUBA DIVING REEL |
| (57) A scuba diving reel (1) has a central cylindrical axle (2), two opposing annular
side walls (4, 6) at each end of the axle, each side wall having a central aperture
for receipt of an end of the axle, each end of the axle being provided with a cap
(8) to rotatably secure the axle to each side wall, one side wall (6) having spaced
apart diametrically arranged holes (10) and the opposing side wall (4) including a
handle (12) attached to an outer face thereof, the handle being movable between a
folded position wherein it lies against an outer face of the side wall and an extended
position wherein it extends away from the outer face of the side wall. The reel is
composed of a composite material such that it has substantially the same density as
water.
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Field of the Invention.
[0001] The present invention relates to an improved scuba diving reel for storing a line, an essential piece of safety equipment for a scuba diver.
Background
[0002] An important piece of safety equipment for use when scuba diving is a continuous line that can run from the diver to the water's surface and which may be attached to a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB). The line may also be used when lining off into a wreck or cave. The line is normally wound around a diving reel which may be attached to the diver by a double end bolt snap. Various lengths of line may be stored on a scuba reel.
[0003] One example of a line used for scuba diving is the Dyneema® line, a lightweight, high performance rope that may be wound around a reel. A diver may inflate a SMB under water via either a low pressure hose connected to a first stage regulator or by breathing into an opening with a non return valve on the SMB itself. Once inflated, the SMB floats to the surface and the reel is held by the submerged diver between the thumb and index finger to allow the reel to revolve around the central axle thereby enabling the line to run freely from the reel. Once the SMB has reached the surface the diver may use the line from the reel to provide line of sight to ascend back to the surface whilst at the same time winding in the line around the reel by hand.
[0004] There are many types of diving reels in existence but the majority are made from an aluminium alloy or an injection moulded plastics having a cylindrical core for receipt of the line and annular side walls for retaining the line on the core. The core is generally hollow to provide a large cylindrical hole extending through the core between the centre of each side wall which can be used to hold and turn the reel. Additionally, one or both side walls may have a series of smaller holes around their diameter for fastening the reel to the diver by means of a double end bolt snap.
[0005] The existing types of diving reel are fit for purpose but divers do encounter certain problems with their use. For example, it can be very difficult to hold onto the reel as it unwinds the line, particularly if diving in cold waters where gloves need to be worn. This may not only result in the reel being inadvertently dropped by the diver but also reduces the amount of control the diver has in relation to the speed of deployment of the line. Furthermore, the weight of the reel is often such that it sinks rapidly should the diver inadvertently let go of the reel, resulting in the loss of the reel. This represents a significant safety hazard to the diver.
[0006] It is the aim of the present invention to provide an improved scuba diving reel that overcomes, or at least alleviates, the abovementioned problems.
Summary of the Invention
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a scuba diving reel comprising a central cylindrical axle, two opposing annular side walls at each end of the axle, each side wall having a central aperture for receipt of an end of the axle, each end of the axle being provided with a cap to rotatably secure the axle to each side wall.
[0008] Each end cap is preferably in the form of a circular disc that is greater in diameter than the central aperture. Each end cap may be secured to the axle by suitable fixing means, such as an appropriate adhesive. Preferably, the perimeter of each end cap is provided with a protruding rim around at least a portion thereof to aid gripping of the cap by the diver. However, other means may be provided to aid handling of the end cap, such as a protruberance extending from the cap.
[0010] One annular side wall is preferably provided with spaced apart diametrically arranged holes. The opposing side wall is preferably provided with at least one handle extending from an outer face of the side wall.
[0011] More preferably, the handle is movable between a folded position wherein it lies against an outer face of the side wall and an extended position wherein it extends away from the outer face of the side wall.
[0012] To this end, a second aspect of the present invention provides a scuba diving reel comprising a central cylindrical axle and two opposing annular side walls at each end of the axle, wherein at least one side wall is provided with a handle attached to an outer face thereof, the handle being movable between a folded position wherein it lies against an outer face of the side wall and an extended position wherein it extends away from the outer face of the side wall.
[0013] The handle preferably includes a living hinge to enable it to move between the folded and extended positions. At least part of the folded handle is preferably received within a recess provided in an outer face of the side wall, preferably being retained therein by friction.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the handle may be formed of two parts, preferably each part having a living hinge. Preferably, each part is a semi-circular member and is provided with a living hinge. More preferably, each semi-circular member is received within an annular recess provided in the side wall in the folded state. The recess may be provided between an annular projection extending from the outer face of the side wall and a lip provided at least partially around the circumference of the side wall. Ideally, the member is retained in the recess between the projection and the lip by friction
[0015] The handle may be provided with at least one tab for retrieving the handle from the recess. More preferably, the tab lies in a recess provided in the lip of the side wall.
[0016] It is to be appreciated that the reel according to the second aspect of the present invention may be provided with end caps according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein each side wall has a central aperture for receipt of an end of the axle and each end of the axle is provided with a cap to rotatably secure the axle to each side wall.
[0017] Preferably, at least one, preferably all, of the axle, side walls, optional end caps and handle are made from a nylon carbon composite, more preferably at least some of the parts having individually layered continuous carbon fibre to provide a hollow cellular structure, such as a honeycomb or triangular cell structure. In a preferred embodiment, the axle, one side wall and end caps are each provided with an internal cellular structure but the other side wall with the handle is formed of a solid structure.
[0019] The preferred use of a cellular structure for at least some of the parts of the reel allows the density of the reel to be carefully controlled to provide a reel that has a density substantially the same as water, preferably being 1000 kg/m3 to 1050 kg/m3.
[0020] To this end, a third aspect of the present invention provides a scuba diving reel comprising a central cylindrical axle and two opposing annular side walls at each end of the axle, at least part of the reel being comprised of a nylon carbon composite with individually layered continuous carbon fibre to provide a hollow cellular structure, preferably wherein the density of the reel is between 1000 kg/m3 to 1050 kg/m3 to be substantially the same as water.
[0021] It is to be appreciated that the reel according to the third aspect of the present invention may be provided with end caps according to the first aspect of the present invention and/or handle according to the second aspect of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reel comprises a central cylindrical axle, two opposing annular side walls at each end of the axle, each side wall having a central aperture for receipt of an end of the axle, each end of the axle being provided with a cap to rotatably secure the axle to each side wall, one side wall having spaced apart diametrically arranged holes and the opposing side wall including a handle attached to an outer face thereof, the handle being movable between a folded position wherein it lies against an outer face of the side wall and an extended position wherein it extends away from the outer face of the side wall.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0022] For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a diving reel according to the present invention, shown without a line attached and with handles extended;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the diving reel shown in Figure 1, shown with a line attached and with handles partly extended;
Figure 3 illustrates handling of the diving reel shown in Figures 1 and 2 by a diver;
Figure 4 is a three-dimensional rendering illustrating a central axle and one side wall of a diving reel according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 5 is a three-dimensional rendering illustrating an opposing side wall for a diving reel according to the present invention.
Detailed Description
[0023] The present invention provides an improved scuba diving reel that has a number of benefits over prior art diving reels, including being constructed to be substantially the same density of water and having novel features to enable enhanced handling and operation of the reel whilst the diver is below the surface of the water.
[0024] Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of a diving reel according to the present invention. The reel 1 has a central cylindrical axle 2 between two annular side walls 4, 6 which serve to retain a line 20 on the reel. The axle is hollow and rotatably mounted within central holes 9 provided though each annular side wall. Each end of the axle is provided with a circular end cap 8 attached thereto, for example by a suitable adhesive, each end cap having a raised rim 11 around its periphery.
[0025] Additionally, one of the annular side walls 4 is provided with lip 4b around the outwardly facing surface of the wall which extends substantially perpendicularly to the main outer face of the wall 4a. Two opposing curved projections 20 extend from the outer face 4a and a foldable handle 12 is attached to the wall 4 between these projections. The handle is formed of two parts comprising two halves of a circle which are each attached to the side wall by a stud through the centre of a living hinge 18, the stud preferably being of the same material as the handle. This enables each half of the handle to be movable between an extended position in which the diver can hold onto the reel using the handle (See Figures 1 and 3) and a folded position in which the handle is received within a channel 14 defined by the lip 4b and projection 20. Ideally, each handle is maintained in the channel by friction. Each part of the handle is also provided with a tab 24 received within a recess 22 provided in the lip of the side wall. The tabs can be used to pull the handle parts out of the channel 14 for use.
[0026] The opposing annular side wall 6 has a series of spaced apart diametrically arranged holes 16. These can be used by the diver to attach a double end bolt snap in a conventional manner.
[0027] The provision of end caps 8 on the axle and a foldable handle 12 provides for enhanced control of the reel by the diver in use. The diver is able to place the thumb and index finger over each end cap to allow the reel to rotate freely about the axle, giving the diver considerable control over the speed of deployment of the line 20 thereby controlling the ascent speed of the SMB. Prior art reels rely on the diver holding the reel by the side walls and a central hole extending from the walls through the axle. The axle has sufficient clearance within the reel body to allow easy removal of sand, salt and other debris to ensure a free-wheeling motion of the reel. The provision of a foldable handle also aids handling of the reel. The handle is large enough to enable its use with gloves as well as cold bare fingers but can be clipped back out of the way when not required. The manner of attachment of the axle to the side walls means that the reel can still deploy the line when held by the parts of the handle.
[0028] It is to be appreciated that the handle may be provided in an alternative shape and size to that shown in the accompanying drawings. However, ideally the handle should be retainable within at least one recess of the side wall.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the various component parts of the reel are made from a nylon carbon composite individually layered continuous carbon fibre using 3-D printing technology. This not only enables the reel according to the invention to be very strong yet ultra lightweight but also provides other advantages over the prior art. Significantly, the use of this material enables some of the components of the reel to be provided with an internal hollow cellular structure, for example in the form of a triangular or honeycomb structure, which reduces the overall density of the reel. The reel is preferably constructed such that it has an overall density that is the same or substantially similar to sea water (generally being 1020-1030 kg/m3 depending upon temperature and salinity of the water, although at lower depths where there is greater pressure, there is a density of around 1050 kg/m3). A freshwater reel may also be provided having a lower density to be neutral in fresh water (density generally 1000 kg/m3). It is to be appreciated that reels of different densities could be provided which may be selected on the basis of the location of a particular dive, such as shallow sea water, a fresh water river or lake or deep-sea water. The provision of a reel that has a density substantially the same as the density of the surrounding water makes use of the reel considerably easier and safer as one of the biggest issues for the deployment of a finger spool is the risk of dropping the reel. Reels of aluminium or injection moulded plastics normally sink relatively quickly through the water resulting in it being difficult for a diver to retrieve the reel. In contrast, even if the density of the reel according to the present invention is not identical to the surrounding water, the fact that is very close to its density means that any travel through the water will be slow, providing the diver with better prospects for successfully retrieving the reel.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the annular side wall 4 that includes the handle 12 is a solid piece of nylon carbon composite without a hollow cellular structure. This part of the reel is subjected to the most stress so is provided as a solid piece to enhance the longevity of the reel. The reel may be composed of 3 main parts, the central axle 2, the annular wall 6 with diametrically spaced apart holes and an opposing annular wall 4, as shown in Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings. The central axle and annular wall 6 are formed from a nylon carbon composite having individually layered continuous carbon fibre to form the internal hollow cellular structure as shown in Figure 4 and the annular wall 4 is a solid structure as shown in Figure 5. The ability to make each part as a printed component enables many of the features of each part to be formed integrally with the relevant part, such as the lip 4b, projections 20, stud-receiving sockets 28, recess 22 and central hole of the side wall 4.
[0031] It is clear that the diving reel of the present invention includes a number of improvements of the prior art reels, including its density, the provision of end caps to aid operation of the reel and the fold-away handles. Furthermore, the ability to produce the various components by printing using the same materials but having parts of a less dense structure due to layering of continuous carbon fibre enables the creation of a superior diving reel that is able to be substantially neutral in water.
1. A scuba diving reel comprising a central cylindrical axle, two opposing annular side
walls at each end of the axle, each side wall having a central aperture for receipt
of an end of the axle, each end of the axle being provided with a cap to rotatably
secure the axle to each side wall.
2. A scuba diving reel comprising a central cylindrical axle and two opposing annular
side walls at each end of the axle, wherein at least one side wall is provided with
a handle attached to an outer face thereof, the handle being movable between a folded
position wherein it lies against an outer face of the side wall and an extended position
wherein it extends away from the outer face of the side wall.
3. The scuba diving real as claimed in claim 1 wherein each end cap is in the form of
a circular disc that is greater in diameter than the central aperture.
4. The scuba diving reel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the perimeter of each end cap
is provided with a protruding rim around at least a portion thereof.
5. The scuba diving reel as claimed in claim 1, 3 or 4 wherein the opposing side wall
is provided with at least one handle extending from an outer face of the side wall.
6. The scuba diving reel as claimed in claim 5 wherein the handle is movable between
a folded position wherein it lies against an outer face of the side wall and an extended
position wherein it extends away from the outer face of the side wall.
7. The scuba diving reel as claimed in claim 2 or claim 6 wherein the handle includes
a living hinge to enable it to move between the folded and extended positions.
8. The scuba diving reel as claimed in claim 2, claim 6 or claim 7 wherein at least part
of the folded handle is received within a recess provided in an outer face of the
side wall, preferably being retained therein by friction.
9. The scuba diving reel as claimed in claim 2 or any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the
handle is formed of two parts, preferably each part having a living hinge.
10. The scuba diving reel as claimed in claim 9 wherein each part is a semi-circular member
and each semi-circular member is received within an annular recess provided in the
side wall in the folded state.
11. The scuba diving reel as claimed in claim 10 wherein the recess is provided between
an annular projection extending from the outer face of the side wall and a lip provided
at least partially around the circumference of the side wall.
12. The scuba diving reel as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the handle is provided
with at least one tab for retrieving the handle from the recess, preferably wherein
the at least one the tab lies in a recess provided in a lip of the side wall.
13. The scuba diving reel as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 12 wherein at least one,
preferably all, of the axle, side walls, end caps and handle are made from a nylon
carbon composite, more preferably at least some of the parts having individually layered
continuous carbon fibre to provide a hollow cellular structure.
14. The scuba diving reel as claimed in claim 13 wherein the axle, one side wall and end
caps are each provided with an internal cellular structure but the other side wall
with the handle is formed of a solid structure.
15. The scuba diving reel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the reel
has a density of 1000 kg/m3 to 1050 kg/m3, being substantially the same as water.