Reel for a surface marker buoy

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ergonomic reel that facilitates and secures the inflation and launching of the surface marker buoy for all divers, even beginners. The securing of the reel is ensured by a holding handle that replaces the conventional grips of this type of reel, means for attaching and unlocking the spool, by means of which it is impossible for the diver to forget to unlock the spool before launching the buoy and / or a crank for rewinding the retractable cable, which does not have any protrusions that risk tangling the cable when it is not in use.

Description

[0001] Reel for a landing parachute

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of diving, and more particularly to an ergonomic reel for a stop parachute which facilitates and secures the inflation and launching of the stop parachute for a large majority of divers, even beginners.

[0003] Prior art

[0004] One of the essential safety items for a diver at sea is the decompression stop. A decompression stop is a long, cylindrical buoy used by divers to indicate their position during a decompression stop. In diving, a decompression stop is a period when a diver stops at a specific depth for a certain amount of time, usually to allow the levels of gases (nitrogen, helium) dissolved in their body to decrease, thereby reducing the formation of harmful bubbles in the body, which can cause decompression sickness.

[0005] The decompression parachute is an inflatable cylindrical buoy attached to a line usually wound on a reel. To indicate its position, the diver must detach the decompression parachute, inflate it, and let the line unwind so that it rises to the surface.

[0006] One of the main roles of the reel is to allow the diver to deploy the buoy and then retrieve the line, i.e., rewind it after use. Current reels consist of a line spool, a handle, and a rewind crank. To prevent the line from unwinding uncontrollably throughout the dive, reels are equipped with a spool attachment system, such as a ratchet or lock, as illustrated in US5938140A.

[0007] To deploy his decompression parachute, the diver must therefore unlock the spool with a risk of an uncontrolled ascent if he forgets to unlock the spool before inflating the buoy. Then, he must both firmly hold the reel handle and the buoy with one hand, and inflate it with the other hand, without being pulled by the inflated buoy towards the surface. In the water, with gloves, this operation is delicate and the risks of errors are high. With only two hands, it is complicated to firmly hold the reel and the buoy, and to inflate it. The diver must absolutely avoid the line getting caught in his equipment and in particular in the reel rewind handle, which is very protruding, because this would cause an unwanted ascent.

[0008] In addition, the diver must carry out these operations while ensuring that his depth is constant. He must release the parachute at the right time: neither too early, because the parachute will be underinflated and therefore barely visible on the surface, nor too late, or he will be carried to the surface with it.

[0009] The ascent of the inflated parachute to the surface causes the spool to rotate rapidly, which can cause vibrations of the reel that are transmitted to the handle and may cause the diver to release the handle. The diver must also constantly exert effort to maintain the orientation of the reel.

[0010] Finally, when the diver ascends to the surface, rewinding the line can require significant effort, tiring for the diver. Figure 1 shows a usual reel in the diving field. The reel includes a handle. A handle 100 involves the diver inserting his fingers into an opening and closing his thumb over his fingers to grip the handle. All fingers are involved and a contraction of the hand muscles is necessary. Figure 7 shows how a diver must keep the reel, according to the state of the art, stationary underwater by compensating for a rotational torque caused by the force applied to the line at point P. The line exits horizontally from point P, then changes direction to become vertical. This action generates an upward pulling force F, exerted by the line when it is taut.At point P, the force F creates a torque Cl=dlx , where dl is the distance between the applied force F and the place where the plunger holds the reel. This torque Cl has the effect of raising point P, causing the reel to tip over, indicated by the circular arrow in Fig.7.

[0011] To compensate for this tumbling, the plunger must apply a counterforce Fl equal to the downward pulling force F (F1=F). This force creates a rotational torque in the opposite direction, also equal to Cl, to counterbalance the torque Cl produced by the wire. Figure 7 shows that to keep such a reel stable and prevent unwanted rotation, the plunger must not only pull downwards with a force F, but also apply a rotational torque opposite to that generated by the wire pulling on point P.

[0012] The applicant therefore considered it necessary to improve the design of a reel to facilitate its use and, above all, to keep the diver safe when inflating and launching his buoy. Summary of the invention

[0013] The invention relates to a reel for a landing gear comprising: a support which extends along a plane; a spool arranged to rotate freely around an axis; a wire guide extending substantially perpendicular to said plane of the support, characterized in that the axis is arranged substantially perpendicular to the plane of the support, said support comprising an openwork portion shaped as a handle and extending in the plane of the support offset from the spool substantially perpendicular to the axis.

[0014] The reel according to the invention allows the diver to release it instantly in an emergency. For example, if a boat's propeller gets caught in the line, simply turn your wrist or let it rotate to instantly release the reel. Even when wearing thick gloves in winter, it is impossible for your hand to get stuck. The shape of the handle allows the reel to be held in either the right or left hand.

[0015] Handling a reel underwater presents several physical constraints which can complicate its use:

[0016] First, the diver's buoyancy is paramount. A diver who is out of balance risks being pulled to the surface by the parachute once it is inflated, which could cause a rapid and dangerous ascent.

[0017] The force exerted by water resistance is another factor to consider. This force must be overcome so that the diver can maintain a stable position while managing the parachute's ascent. The diver's manual coordination is crucial to smoothly release the line from the reel while monitoring the parachute's ascent. This requires delicate handling and good control of the reel.

[0018] The main physical constraints affecting the use of a reel are the vertical pulling force exerted by the parachute and the rotational torque generated by the tension of the wire coming out of the reel.

[0019] The force of the rising parachute creates tension on the line, which can cause the reel to rotate, making it difficult to control. The diver must then compensate for this rotation without putting pressure on the line that could cause it to wind or tangle. Managing these forces simultaneously requires constant effort.

[0020] Conventional reels also have the constraint of involuntary rotation caused by the lateral tension(s) of the wire. These lateral forces, generated by the wire as it leaves, create an imbalance. Indeed, in conventional reels, the wire leaves the spool at a 90° angle to the surface of the spool. This path at this angle will generate a rotational torque in the reel, causing it to tip over and therefore become unbalanced. The diver will then have to rebalance the reel by applying force to it using his hand.

[0021] If the wire is not perfectly aligned with the direction of the pulling force, which is a vertical force exerted by the parachute, a lateral distance (d) from the reel's rotation axis will be created. This lateral distance (d) combined with the pulling force (F) produces a rotational torque (C) which tends to rotate the reel.

[0022] The reel of the invention concerns several aspects improving its ease and safety of use. Ideally, these different aspects are implemented together, for maximum ease and safety, but it is possible to implement them individually, or to combine some of them.

[0023] Detailed description

[0024] The invention will now be described with the aid of figures which illustrate several examples of embodiments of the reel. In the figures:

[0025] Figure 1 represents a reel according to the prior art;

[0026] Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views of a reel according to the invention with the rewinding crank folded and the rewinding crank unfolded respectively.

[0027] Figure 3 is a mid-sectional view of the reel of Figures 2A and 2B.

[0028] Figures 4A, 4B, 4C are photographs of a reel of the invention, with or without an associated parachute / buoy.

[0029] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the coil of Figure 3.

[0030] Figures 6A and 6B are photographs illustrating one way of holding a reel of the invention, Figures 6C and 6D illustrate another way of holding a reel according to the invention.

[0031] Figure 7 is a sectional view of a reel of the invention;

[0032] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP Figures 8A and 8B illustrate the reel according to the invention without (8A) and with (8B) application of a vertical tensile force.

[0033] With reference to Figures 2A and 2B, 3 and 4, a reel 1 according to the invention comprises a support 10 which extends generally in a plane and has a flat portion and an openwork portion. A spool 12 is placed on the flat portion of the support 10, mounted on an axis 19 perpendicular to the plane of the support 10. This axis 19 is materialized by a projection (not visible in FIGS. 2A and 2B) allowing the spool 12 to be threaded thereon. The spool 12 comprises a rewinding crank 14. The crank 14 is arranged radially around the axis of rotation 19 of the spool 12. It is unfoldable thanks to a hinge 16 arranged on the periphery of the spool 12, on the cap of the spool, so that in the unfolded position, the end of the crank 14 extends beyond the perimeter of the spool 12. When the crank 14 is open or unfolded, it can be moved in a plane parallel to the plane of the support 10. When the crank 14 is offset in unfolded position (Fig.2B) a gripping button 15, which facilitates its use by a diver and which is arranged at its end, becomes visible. In the folded position (Fig. 2A), the gripping button 15 is housed in a cavity of the spool, located at the level of the axis 19.

[0034] A wire guide 13 is placed on the support 10, opposite the handle 11. It extends substantially parallel to the axis 19, over the height of the spool 12, and substantially perpendicular to the plane of the support. Thus, the wire will not have to travel through an angle of 90° when it leaves the reel 1. In addition, since the handle 11 extends in the plane of the support offset from the spool 12 substantially perpendicular to the axis 19, the wire guide 13 is also substantially perpendicular to the plane of the support. A gap is provided between the wire guide 13 and the spool 12 so that the wire guide 13 does not touch the spool 12.

[0035] The openwork portion of the support 10 is shaped into a handle 11, which extends off-set from the coil 12. The support 10 and the handle 11 are preferably molded in one piece. The handle 11 is here annular or circular in shape.

[0036] The support 10 of the reel 1 of the invention is shaped with the handle 11 which extends off-set from the reel 12. The support 10 is a rigid element on which the elements of the reel 1 are arranged.

[0037] Since the wire exits in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axis, the wire exits in a direction that is substantially parallel to that of the surface of the bail 11. The plunger, who holds the reel 1 using the bail 11, will thus hold it in the same direction as that in which the wire exits. The plunger will thus not have to compensate for an inclination of the reel 1 when the parachute exits. Preferably, the wire guide comprises an orifice P through which the wire passes from the spool when it is unwound or wound. The orifice P is visible in Figures 8A and 8B. This wire guide 13 is designed to direct and hold the wire in place, forcing it to follow a specific path. Preferably, the wire guide 13 and the bail 11 are positioned on either side of the spool 12.Thus, when launching the buoy, which rises vertically towards the surface, the line, the end of which is attached to the buoy, leaves the spool 12 vertically (straight) towards the surface through the line guide 13. Thus, the line is directly in a vertical position to the plane of the support 10, without any necessary deflection. The line exits the reel 1 without creating an exit angle, thus minimizing the involuntary rotation that may be due to the pulling force exerted by the parachute and the rotation axis of the reel 1. This results in a considerably reduced rotational torque. The diver no longer needs to apply force to compensate for this rotation, thus reducing his fatigue and facilitating the deployment of the parachute.

[0038] With a conventional reel, the plunger holds the reel along a horizontal axis, while the wire resting on the wire guide pivots the reel along a vertical axis. The plunger must therefore hold the handle with his full hand and exert force on the handle of the reel, in order to maintain the direction of the wire and the reel. The reel 1 according to the invention makes it possible to minimize the effort of the plunger by optimizing the management of the wire and eliminating the problems of uncontrolled rotations. Thus, the wire does not change direction substantially when passing the wire guide 13 and remains almost vertical, and therefore exerts a limited force on the wire guide, so that the plunger must maintain only a little effort to maintain the orientation of the reel and a possible knot in the wire is less likely to get stuck in the wire guide 13. The wire guide 13 helps to limit the excursion of the wire and the risk of it becoming tangled.

[0039] Preferably, the handle 11 is formed by a rigid element forming a closed curve, relatively thin, like a ring. The handle has, for example, a section having a diameter of between 0.4 and 3 cm, preferably between 0.6 and 2 cm, more preferably between 1 and 2 cm.

[0040] Alternatively, the handle 11 has a substantially circular, annular, oval, elliptical or ovoid shape. This annular or oval shape helps reduce the risk of the wire catching on the reel or part of the reel. Preferably, an annular or circular handle 11 has an internal diameter greater than or equal to 3 cm, preferably greater than or equal to 4 cm, more preferably greater than or equal to 5 cm.

[0041] In the case of an oval, elliptical or ovoid shape, the major axis has an internal length greater than 3 cm, preferably greater than or equal to 4 cm, more preferably greater than or equal to 5 cm. Such an extremely wide handle 11 of the reel 1 allows it to be held even with the largest gloves, such as "Heavy Duty" gloves size 2XL, US size 11 and the thickest and equipped with heated undergloves (used during diving in cold water).

[0042] Preferably, the handle 11 extends in the plane of the support, next to the portion of the support 10 supporting the spool 12, that is to say next to the support 10 where the spool 12 is applied. Thus, during use, the spool is naturally positioned above the handle 11, that is to say above the hand which then does not hinder the unwinding of the thread.

[0043] Preferably, the handle 11 and the support 10 are molded in a single "monobloc" block. A monobloc molding is understood to mean a molding where two parts are made together from the same material, thus forming a single and inseparable structure, without visible separation between them, forming a whole. Preferably, the handle and the support form a whole. This type of configuration offers high structural integrity and an absence of joints. Preferably, the handle 11 extends next to a portion of the support 10 where the coil 12 is applied.

[0044] The handle 11 and / or the support 10 may, for example, be made of reinforced polymers, of one type or of several combined types. Reinforced polymers are lighter than metals, which reduces the overall weight of the reel and therefore increases the buoyancy of the assembly.

[0045] Buoyancy refers to the ability of an object to remain on the surface of a liquid, such as water, without sinking. Buoyancy is determined by the difference between the object's weight and the Archimedean force acting on it. A submerged object with neutral buoyancy remains suspended at the same height in the liquid. A negatively buoyant object sinks, and a positively buoyant object rises to the surface.

[0046] Preferably, the reel 1 has an average density of 1.03 g / cm 3 ± 3%, preferably ± 2%, more preferably ± 1%. This ensures its (quasi) neutral buoyancy in salt water (density around 1.03g / cm 3 ) .

[0047] Preferably, the reel 1 has a near-neutral buoyancy, i.e. dropped into the water, so that it can rise or sink very slowly. Here, advantage is taken of the reel's buoyancy, which is very light. If the diver involuntarily drops his reel into the water, he can easily retrieve it before it sinks. The diver can also pass his reel to a teammate without fear of losing it. Also, the use of polymers, possibly reinforced, facilitates the use of the reel in seawater. Unlike metals, reinforced polymers do not corrode or rust. Thus, the handle has a long service life and requires little maintenance.

[0048] Alternatively, the handle 11 has anti-slip ridges on at least part of its surface. These are, for example, grooves or reliefs printed during molding. Anti-slip ridges are added to the surface of a material in order to reduce the risk of accidental slipping. These ridges are designed to provide better grip for the diver's fingers, in terms of safety, comfort or functionality.

[0049] The support 10 here also comprises two orifices 17A and 17B, placed between the handle 11 and the portion receiving the coil 12. A fastening means 18, such as an elastic band, passes through the orifice 17A. These are the fastening means which make it possible to block the rotation of the coil 12. To block the rotation of the coil 12, the elastic band must be applied around the coil 12. The pressure, or elastic force then applied to the coil 12 prevents it from rotating.

[0050] Figure 4A illustrates a reel comprising a first attachment means 31, such as a first elastic, passing through the first orifice 17A. Preferably, the support 10 of the reel 1 of the invention comprises at least one attachment means (31; 32) for preventing the rotation of the spool 35. Preferably, the attachment means (31; 32) are elastic attachment means. Here, elastic attachment means means a means designed to temporarily immobilize or lock the spool relative to its support, i.e. prevent its rotation, and thus prevent the wire wound on the spool from unwinding. The elastic aspect here implies that the blocking is ensured by an elastic force.

[0051] The first attachment means (31) of the invention is preferably fixed or attached to the support 30 so as to be able to be stretched around the spool 35 to block its rotation. Alternatively, it may be a spring, possibly associated with a rod. The orifice (17A; 17B) is placed between the handle 11 and the spool 35 and arranged so as to receive the attachment means (18, 31). Preferably, the first attachment means (31) is dimensioned to be able to encircle the support 30 and at least a portion of the spool 35 in the direction of its height and to apply a force on the spool 35 such as to prevent its rotation.

[0052] Preferably, the first attachment means 31 is sized to be able to encircle a buoy or a wound parachute 34, said buoy 34 being pressed against a rear face of the support 30 opposite that where the spool 35 is applied. Consequently, when the diver removes the first elastic to release the parachute 34, he simultaneously unlocks the spool 35. The diver thus saves time and follows a simplified procedure causing less mental load, and above all, it is impossible for him to forget to unlock the spool 35 before launching the parachute 34. Even stressed or distracted, the diver does not risk forgetting to unlock the spool 35 from the reel 1 and being carried upwards.

[0053] Also, in contrast to the state-of-the-art reels which are provided with a lever to be pressed throughout the duration of the ascent of the parachute to maintain the release of the reel 35, with the reel 1 of the invention provided with elastic attachment means (31; 32) of the reel 35, the diver does not have to press any lever continuously throughout the duration of the ascent of the parachute 34 towards the surface. The diver therefore does not risk involuntarily releasing such a lever (which can happen with a reel which vibrates a lot) nor being carried upwards.

[0054] Alternatively, the reel 1 may comprise a carabiner 33 attached in an additional orifice. The carabiner 33 may allow the assembly of the reel 1 and the parachute 34 attached to each other to be suspended from a ring on the diver. Preferably, the reel comprises a second attachment means 32, such as a second elastic band, passing through the second orifice 17B formed in the handle 11 of the reel 1. The second elastic band may be provided on the support 30, arranged to improve the holding of the buoy 34 against the face of the support 30 opposite the spool 35.

[0055] Figures 4B and 4C show the reel of Figure 4C, associated with a buoy 34 wound on itself and pressed against the rear face of the support 30 of the reel 1 on which a spool of wire 35 is installed. The first elastic band 31 is here deployed on the wire of the spool, thus blocking the rotation of the spool, and on the rear face of the support 30, the buoy 34 is inserted between the elastic band 31 and the support 30. The second elastic band 32 is also wrapped around the buoy in order to keep it pressed against the handle of the support. The first elastic band 31 is inserted between the wire guide 36 and the spool 35. The pressure exerted by this elastic band against the spool prevents the spool from rotating. The elastic band 31 therefore constitutes here the means of attachment of the rotation of the spool.

[0056] In one aspect of the invention, the spool (12; 35) has a rewinding crank 14 arranged radially around the axis of rotation of the spool 19 and unfoldable so that in the unfolded position, the length of the crank, i.e. of the lever arm for rewinding, is greater than the radius of the spool. With reference to Figures 2A and 2B and 5, the spool 12 comprises a base 22, which supports the cylinder whose axis is the axis of rotation 19 of the spool 12, and a cap 21 which defines the external surface of the spool 12 and the reel. Thus, the axle 19 is threaded inside the spool 12. The axle 19 rests on a projection 23 of the base of the support 10, and is held under the support 10 by means of a pin 20. The cap 21 has a cavity on its upper face in which the button 15 of the crank 14 is housed here illustrated in the folded position.

[0057] Preferably, the reel 1 comprises a rewinding crank 14 for the reel (12; 35), one end of said crank 14 being mounted offset relative to the axis of rotation of the reel 19, which crank 14 is unfoldable relative to said end so as to extend parallel to the plane and so that in the unfolded position the length of a lever arm for rewinding said rewinding crank 14 is greater than the radius of the reel 12.

[0058] The crank 14 is unfoldable thanks to the hinge 16 arranged on the periphery of the spool 12, on the cap of the spool 21. In this way in the unfolded position, the end of the crank 14 extends beyond the perimeter of the spool 12. Preferably, in the unfolded position of the crank 14, the length of the lever arm is at least equal to 1.5 times the radius of the spool 12, preferably at least equal to 1.8 times the radius of the spool 12, more preferably greater than the diameter of the spool 12.

[0059] The spool 12 can, for example, be used to wind more than 76 meters (250 ft) of 1 mm diameter line, or more than 33 meters (100 ft) of 2 mm diameter line. The handle 11 is also illustrated here, in the plane 24 of the support 10. In contrast to state-of-the-art reels intended for diving, where the rewind handle at the edge of the spool offers a small lever arm, the deployable rewind crank according to the invention reduces the effort required for rewinding. Rewinding is then comfortable and can be accelerated. Preferably, the crank is arranged to be parallel to the plane of the support in the unfolded position. Preferably, a grip button 15 is arranged at another end of the crank. This grip button is visible when the arm of the crank is deployed. This grip button 15 facilitates the manipulation of the crank 14 by the diver and therefore facilitates the use of the reel 12.Preferably, the spool (12; 35) comprises a cavity for housing the gripping button 15 when the crank 14 is in the folded position. Thus, the gripping button 15 does not protrude when the parachute / buoy is deployed. Unlike conventional reels whose gripping button 15 is very protruding, this particular arrangement of the crank 14 and the gripping button 15 avoids the risk of the line becoming tangled in the crank 14 and / or the gripping button 15 when the buoy / parachute is deployed. Preferably, the gripping button 15 of the crank 14 is housed at the axis of the spool 19, which may for example be hollow. The cavity is arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation 19 of the coil (12; 35), in order to house the grip button 15 in the folded position of the crank 14. This configuration makes it possible not to unbalance the coil (12; 35) during its rotation.

[0060] Preferably, the spool (12; 35) comprises a radial groove shaped to accommodate the crank 14 when it is folded. Thus, the crank 14 does not protrude when the parachute is deployed. Preferably, the groove and the button 15 are centered. Thus, the spool (12; 35) has its center of gravity at its center of rotation, which makes it possible to avoid vibrations during its use, mainly when unwinding the line.

[0061] Preferably, the cavity has axial symmetry with the axis of rotation of the spool, thus preventing vibrations created during the unwinding of the wire. Unlike conventional reels, according to a preferred embodiment, this particular arrangement of the crank 14, in particular the presence of a gripping button 15 housed in a cavity having axial symmetry with the axis of rotation of the spool, a groove for housing the crank 14 and a very light crank hinge, makes it possible to prevent the creation of imbalance and vibrations of the spool during the ascent of the buoy (unwinding of the wire). According to a preferred embodiment, the hinge 16 of the crank is made of a robust but very light material, such as a glass fiber reinforced polymer. By "unbalance" we mean an imbalance linked to an asymmetry in a rotating system, here the coil (12; 35), which if unbalanced generates undesirable vibrations of the reel 1.Preferably, the crank of the invention 14 unfolds parallel to the plane of the support.

[0062] According to the invention, to use the crank 14, it is sufficient to unfold the arm of the crank and rotate it in a plane parallel to the plane of the support, to wind the wire onto the spool (12; 35). After use, it is sufficient to fold the arm onto the upper surface of the spool. During inflation and deployment of the parachute, the crank 14 is in the folded position. Preferably, in the folded position, the entire crank 14 fits into a housing provided on the surface of the spool (12; 35). Thus, the crank 14 does not protrude during deployment of the parachute.

[0063] The handle of the reel can be manipulated in different ways. Figures 6A to 6D illustrate a reel 40, similar to the reel of Figures 2A and 2B, and the various possibilities for holding it by the diver. Preferably, the reel 40 may require only the use of the thumb (Figures 6A and 6B), it is sufficient to insert the thumb into the handle 41 of the reel 40. Thus the diver can use his other fingers when releasing the parachute (Figures 6A and 6B). An advantageous option of the invention also allows the reel 40 to be held with one to three fingers (Figures 6C and 6D). For example, by inserting one or two fingers into the handle 41, here for example the index finger and the middle finger. The handle 11 of the reel 1 according to the invention does not involve all the fingers and does not require muscle contraction. The handle 11 is not adapted to the shape of the hand like a handle.Holding the reel is made easier and requires no finger effort, and it is even not recommended to squeeze the fingers on the handle 11. Thus, in an emergency, the reel can be released instantly for the diver's safety. It is also easier to easily pass the reel from one hand to the other, or from one diver to another. According to a preferred mode, the handle 11 is wide, so the diver can hold it, regardless of the type of diving gloves used.

[0064] As illustrated, the diver loosely holds the reel 40, which is naturally positioned along a vertical axis, in the same direction as that of the wire. The reel 40 of the invention can be used indifferently with the left or right hand, and does not require contraction of the muscles of the hand to hold it. Consequently, the diver can use his other fingers, for example to hold the buoy or the air source during the inflation of this buoy, in order to carry out the launching protocol of a decompression parachute in better safety conditions. In addition, when unwinding the wire, any vibrations will not be transmitted to the diver's hand, which then does not risk letting go of the reel.

[0065] Preferably, the reel 1 comprises a system for braking the spool (12; 35), to control (limit) the speed of unwinding of the wire when launching the parachute. With reference to FIG. 7, the braking system may comprise on the lower face of the spool (external face of the base) relief (stop) means, here lobes 51 arranged around the axis of rotation of the spool and a brake 52. The brake 52 may be a metal rod cooperating with a relief extending over a part of the surface of the support intended to receive the spool. Said surface is represented by lobes 51 in relief arranged radially around the axis, on the surface of the spool. Preferably, the coil braking system comprises a brake (52) inserted in the support and a raised element extending over a portion of the surface of the support 10 intended to receive the coil 12, the brake and the raised element being arranged to cooperate with each other.The raised element and the lobes 51 cooperate with each other, that is to say they are arranged to exert friction against each other when the wire is being unwound, that is to say in one direction of rotation of the spool, but much less friction in the other direction, when the wire is being wound, in the manner of a ratchet mechanism. Alternatively, the spool braking system may comprise a spring fixed to the surface of the support intended to receive the spool and cooperating with a relief on the spool. Thanks to the shape of the relief means 51, the braking is negligible during rewinding, and more significant during unwinding. A grub screw 53 makes it possible to adjust the brake, for example with a hex key. The pressure exerted by the screw 53 on the brake rod 52 makes it possible to adjust the braking force. The more screw 53 is tightened, the greater the pressure exerted on brake 52, which increases the resistance to rotation of the wire spool.This allows the diver to adjust the line spool braking system before the dive, on dry land.

[0066] For constant braking during unwinding, preferably the reel may include means for adjusting, possibly manually, the braking system, i.e. for example the intensity of the friction or the pressure exerted by the raised element of the support on the lobes 51 of the spool. This may for example be a headless screw pressing more or less on the metal rod. A suggested adjustment is for example that the wire unwinds when the traction in the wire is greater than 5 to 10 Newton (approximately the weight on land of a mass of 0.5 kg to 1 kg). Thus in the water, the inflated parachute will only pull the diver upwards with a force of 5 to 10 Newton at most, and the diver will therefore be able to easily maintain his buoyancy and depth.

[0067] In water the apparent weight of the new reel is very low, less than 0.2 Newton (about 20 grams / 0.60 oz): even with the spool unlocked, the brake therefore prevents any spontaneous unwinding of the line in the water, before the buoy / parachute is inflated. The tension of the brake 52 is adjusted by turning the grub screw 53 using a suitable tool.

[0068] The reel according to the invention facilitates and secures the launching of the safety parachute. Since the parachute is released more quickly, the diver will vary the depth less. The reel according to the invention also limits the risk of the line tangling, as well as the effort during the launching of the parachute and during rewinding.

[0069] Figures 8A and 8B describe how a diver must hold the reel stationary underwater by compensating for a rotational torque caused by the force applied to the wire at point P:

[0070] According to Figure 8A, to compensate for the upward vertical pulling force F of the parachute, the diver's hand must apply the same force F2 (F2 = F) downwards on the reel 1. For this purpose, at the exit of the wire P, the wire does not rotate and applies a weak force on the wire guide 13. The wire exits the reel 1 from point P and applies an upward force F. The lever arm d2 is the distance between the point where the wire exerts this force and the axis around which the rotation could occur, in this case the diver's thumb. This force F, applied with a distance d2 creates a rotational torque C2 where, C2 = d2 x F, rotates the reel 1. The diver does not oppose this rotation.

[0071] According to Figure 8B, reel 1 is slightly rotated under the effect of this torque C2 = d2x F. Reel 1 adopts a slight angle A with respect to the vertical with respect to the plunger and to gravity (line oriented in the direction of the gravitational force). Force F then passes through the plunger's thumb, so that the distance d2 = 0. Force F acts on the axis represented by the plunger's thumb, the torque C2 then becomes zero

[0072] C2= d2x F = 0. There is no longer any tendency for reel 1 to rotate. It is stable, i.e. the plunger no longer needs to compensate for the rotation torque because the force no longer generates movements (cancellation of d2).

[0073] The use of at least one finger, here the thumb, serves as a pivot or potential axis of rotation. When the force F passes through this axis (the thumb), there is no lever arm and therefore no rotational torque. The reel reaches an equilibrium where it no longer rotates, which makes the diver's task easier; there is no longer any need to fight against the rotation of the reel. If d2 is large, the rotational torque generated by the force F will be significant and there will be a strong tendency to rotate the reel;

[0074] If d2 is small or zero then the force F passes directly through the thumb, the rotation torque is reduced or zero, the reel has no tendency to rotate. The diver holds the reel loosely which is naturally positioned along a vertical axis, that is to say in the same direction as that which the wire tends to take by leaning on the wire guide. Thus, the diver must make no effort to hold the reel 1 of the invention. The handle 11 is aligned with the direction of the wire at the outlet of the reel 1, corresponding to the vertical traction force. This arrangement reduces the twisting of the wire and limits the formation of rotational torques. Thus, the reel 1 remains in static equilibrium, avoiding uncontrolled rotations. When a vertical traction is exerted on the wire, this arrangement of the different parts of the reel 1 maintains the stability of the latter and of the diver, preventing the torsional forces from disturbing its control underwater.

[0075] Aligning the support 10 of the spool 12 and the bail 11 in the same plane ensures that the forces applied by the diver and those exerted by the parachute remain in the same vertical direction, thus considerably limiting any rotational torque. This stabilizes the reel 1 by requiring at least one finger of the diver, allowing effortless deployment of the parachute, without the need to constantly reposition the apparatus.

[0076] The significant reduction in rotational torque and ease of use allow the diver to concentrate on their buoyancy and the safety of their ascent, rather than on managing the reel 1. By maintaining a stable and controlled tension on the line, the risk of tangles or knots, common with conventional reels, is significantly reduced. Its handling is easier and the effort required is reduced, enhancing the diver's safety while optimizing their underwater experience.

[0077] In addition, the reel can include on the back of the support, a large label to write for example the length of the wound wire, and personalize the reel: write the name or first name of the diver and the identification of the boat.

[0078] In addition, this label can be protected by a robust transparent window protecting this label from erasure by friction. Writing one's name on the reel allows it to be found more quickly among other reels placed on the deck of the boat after a dive. Noting the length of the line on the reel is very useful if the diver has not dived for a long time, or if he lends his reel to another diver. Noting one's name and identifying one's boat can save the diver's life, or avoid unnecessary search costs at sea. Thus, a boat crew that finds a safety parachute, according to the invention, on the sea surface will contact the diver's boat, and will then know if the diver has returned on board, or if it is appropriate to alert the emergency services and begin a search for the diver at sea.

[0079] Advantageously, a diver using the reel according to the invention underwater holds said reel by inserting only a thumb into the handle during inflation and release of the parachute buoy. Alternatively, a diver using the reel according to the invention underwater holds said reel by inserting only one to three fingers, other than the thumb, into the handle during inflation and release of the parachute buoy.

[0080] The various features possibly illustrated separately in the examples above can be combined with each other, depending on the needs and the degrees of finish that the person skilled in the art wishes to bring to the reel. The invention thus comprises several aspects which can be implemented individually or in combination, to improve the safety of use of the reels for landing gear.

[0081] All these aspects have the common point of being related to a reel (1) for a landing parachute comprising a support (10) and a reel (12) arranged free to rotate around an axis (19) perpendicular to the support (10) and comprising a rewinding crank (14), the support (10) being shaped with a handle (11) extending offset from the reel (12), the reel (1) comprising means for attaching the rotation of the reel (18, 31, 32).

[0082] The reel according to the invention allows a diver underwater to hold the reel (1) by inserting only a thumb into the handle (11) during inflation and release of the buoy (34) of a parachute. The diver underwater can also hold the reel (1) by inserting only one to three fingers other than the thumb into the handle (11) during inflation and release of the buoy (34) of the parachute.

[0083] The various proposed aspects of the invention may optionally be combined with each other. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous alternative embodiments may be implemented without departing from the principles of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A reel (1) for a landing parachute comprising: a support (10; 30; 40) which extends along a plane; a spool (12; 35) arranged to rotate freely around an axis (19); a wire guide (13) extending substantially perpendicular to said plane of the support; characterized in that the axis (19) is arranged substantially perpendicular to the plane of the support (10), said support (10) comprising an openwork portion shaped as a handle (11) and extending in the plane of the support offset from the spool (12; 35) substantially perpendicular to the axis (19).

2. A reel (1) according to claim 1, wherein the wire guide (13) extends parallel to the axis of rotation (19) of the spool.

3. Reel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, in which the wire guide comprises an orifice P passing through the wire guide to allow the passage of a wire wound on the spool during its unwinding or winding.

4. Reel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the wire guide and the handle are positioned on either side of the reel.

5. Reel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the handle (11) is formed by a rigid element forming a closed curve.

6. Reel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the handle (11) has a section having a diameter between 0.4 and 3 cm, preferably between 0.6 and 2 cm, more preferably between 1 and 2 cm.

7. Reel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the handle (11) has a substantially circular, annular, oval, elliptical or ovoid shape.

8. Reel (1) according to claim 7, in which the annular or circular shaped handle (11) has an internal diameter greater than or equal to 3 cm, preferably greater than or equal to 4 cm, more preferably greater than or equal to 5 cm.

9. Reel (1) according to claim 7, in which the handle (11) of oval, elliptical or ovoid shape, has a major axis having an internal length greater than 3 cm, preferably greater than or equal to 4 cm, more preferably greater than or equal to 5 cm.

10. Reel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the handle (11) extends next to a portion of the support where the reel (12) is applied.

11. Reel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which the handle (11) and the support (10) form a unit.

12. Reel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the handle (11) and / or the support (10) are made of reinforced polymers.

13. Reel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, having neutral buoyancy.

14. Reel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, in which anti-slip grooves are applied to at least part of the surface of the handle (11).

15. Reel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, which comprises a first attachment means (18, 31) arranged to prevent rotation of the reel.

16. Reel (1) according to claim 15, wherein the first attachment means (18, 31) comprises an elastic band (31) connected to the support (10).

17. Reel (1) according to claim 15 or 16, in which the support (10) comprises at least one orifice (17) placed between the handle (11) and the reel (12) and arranged so as to receive the first attachment means (18, 31).

18. Reel (1) according to one of claims 15 to 17, in which the first attachment means (18, 31) is dimensioned to be able to encircle the support (10) and the reel (12) in the direction of its height and to apply a force on the reel such as to prevent its rotation.

19. Reel (1) according to one of claims 15 to 17, in which the first attachment means (18, 31) is sized to be able to encircle a rolled-up buoy or parachute (34), said buoy (34) being pressed against a rear face of the support (10) opposite that where the reel (12) is applied.

20. Reel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19, comprising a second attachment means (32) arranged to improve the holding of a buoy (34) against a face of the support opposite that where the reel (12) is applied.

21. Reel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 20, which comprises a rewinding crank (14) of the reel, one end of said crank (14) being mounted offset relative to the axis of rotation of the reel, which crank is unfoldable relative to said end so as to extend parallel to the plane and so that in the unfolded position the length of a lever arm for rewinding said rewinding crank (14) is greater than the radius of the reel (12).

22. Reel (1) according to claim 21, wherein in the unfolded position of the crank, the length of the lever arm is at least equal to 1.5 times the radius of the reel, preferably at least equal to 1.8 times the radius of the reel, more preferably greater than the diameter of the reel (12).

23. A reel (1) according to one of claims 21 or 22, wherein a gripping button (15) is arranged at another end of the crank (14), which reel (12) comprises a cavity for housing the gripping button (15) therein when the crank (14) is in the folded position.

24. Reel (1) according to claim 23, in which the cavity is arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation of the reel (19).

25. Reel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 24, comprising a system for braking the rotation of the reel.

26. Reel (1) according to claim 25 wherein the braking system comprises a brake (52) inserted in the support and a raised element (51) extending over a part of the surface of the support (10) intended to receive the reel (12), the brake and the raised element being arranged to cooperate with each other.

27. A reel (1) according to claim 25, wherein the brake comprises a spring (52).

28. Reel (1) according to one of claims 25 to 27, further comprising means for adjusting the braking system.

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