Hooking device for an underwater scooter

Abstract

Hooking device (10, 200) for hooking a diver (120) to an underwater scooter (100) by means of a tow line (110) comprising a plate-like element (20) and a connecting element (30), the connecting element (30) having a first end (32A,232A) fixed to the plate-like element (20) and a second free end (32B,232B) connectable to the tow line (110), the plate-like element (20) being shaped in such a way that it can be inserted between the thighs of the diver (120) and retained thereby, so that the underwater scooter (100) can tow the diver (120) by means of the tow line (110). The invention also relates to the use of a hooking device (10, 200) for hooking a diver (120) to an underwater scooter (100), as well as to an underwater scooter (100) comprising a hooking device (10, 200).

Description

[0001] Hooking device for an underwater scooter

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for hooking a diver to an underwater scooter.

[0003] The invention also concerns the use of a device for hooking a diver to an underwater scooter, as well as an underwater scooter comprising a device for hooking a diver.

[0004] In the known technique, the diver must first wear a harness or use diving equipment fitted with a hooking ring to be hooked to a tow line that, in turn, is attached to the underwater scooter.

[0005] Usually, the tow line is attached at its two ends to two separate points on the underwater scooter and is then hooked to the ring of the harness or equipment worn by the diver by means of a carabiner.

[0006] The length of the tow line is then adjusted so as to maintain an optimal distance between the underwater scooter and the diver.

[0007] To achieve this, the two ends of the tow line are attached to the underwater scooter by forming a loop with a suitable sliding knot so that, by manually moving the knot, the loop can be widened or tightened, thereby respectively reducing or increasing the length of the tow line as required.

[0008] However, this solution has several drawbacks.

[0009] First of all, it requires specific and complex equipment, such as a harness or equipment provided with a ring.

[0010] Due to the complexity of the equipment, the latter can only be donned on land.

[0011] Furthermore, after entering the water with the underwater scooter, the diver must hook the tow line to the ring of their harness or equipment and this is quite difficult due to the diver’s narrow field of vision or poor visibility, and is often carried out by touch.

[0012] Moreover, considering the various operations to be performed, the overall preparation time required for the diver to attach himself to the underwater scooter is quite long.

[0013] Furthermore, when the underwater scooter tows the diver, navigation is somewhat unstable because the diver is hooked to the tow line at the ring of the harness and thus at only a single point, thereby generating instability and irregularity in the diver’s navigation. This therefore requires more attention and effort on the part of the diver to maintain a trajectory as regular and uniform as possible.

[0014] Furthermore, the diver remains permanently hooked to the underwater scooter, so that in the event of illness, fainting, or scooter malfunction, he could have considerable difficulty, or even be unable to unhook from the scooter, thereby endangering his own life.

[0015] Similarly, at the end of navigation, the unhooking operation is also complex as it is necessary to unhook the carabiner from the ring of the harness or equipment worn by the diver, and this takes time.

[0016] In addition, since at least one hand must be used to unhook from the underwater scooter, there is also a possibility that, once unhooked, the scooter will drift away from the diver due to the wave motion, making it difficult to retrieve it.

[0017] The diver must than remove the harness or equipment.

[0018] Therefore, the overall time required for unhooking from the underwater scooter and the undressing operation is also considerable.

[0019] Furthermore, it is not possible in the water for a diver to give his underwater scooter to another diver if the latter does not have his own equipment fitted with a hooking ring or has not previously worn a harness.

[0020] In any case, the operation is complex because it requires the first diver to unhook from the scooter's carabiner and, subsequently, the second diver to hook to the carabiner.

[0021] Finally, once the underwater scooter with the tow line attached is launched into the water, it is barely visible because it floats just at the surface and when the diver enters the water, he has difficulty locating it, and even greater difficulty locating the tow line to which he must hook.

[0022] Similarly, at the end of navigation, when the diver has unhooked from the tow line and returns to shore, it may be difficult to locate the underwater scooter and then retrieving it.

[0023] The aim of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks described above with reference to the prior art by providing a hooking device that enables the diver to be easily and quickly hooked to the underwater scooter and thus to the tow line.

[0024] The device must also be attachable to the diver in a very short time.

[0025] The diver must then be able to hook to the underwater scooter while in the water. Moreover, the device must ensure stable and safe navigation, without requiring any effort from the diver to maintain a smooth and steady trajectory.

[0026] It must also be possible, during navigation, for the diver to unhook quickly, preferably without using his hands, in the event of physical problems or a malfunction of the underwater scooter.

[0027] Even the unhooking operation of the diver from the scooter at the end of navigation must occur very easily and quickly.

[0028] Furthermore, it must be possible for a diver to hand over his underwater scooter to another diver while in the water.

[0029] The device must also be clearly visible so that it can be easily located when the diver needs to hook onto it in the water and, subsequently, immediately found after the diver has unhooked and resurfaced, in order to retrieve it from shore.

[0030] Finally, the device must be of simple construction and therefore economical to produce. These aims are achieved by means of a hooking device according to claim 1, the use of a hooking device according to claim 17, and an underwater scooter comprising the hooking device according to claim 18.

[0031] To hook onto the scooter, the diver must first, on land, attach the tow line to the underwater scooter and quickly attach the hooking device by connecting the second free end of the connecting element to the tow line, then launch into the water the underwater scooter connected to the tow line, which is in turn connected to the hooking device, and finally, in the water, simply insert the plate-like element between his thighs and press them to hold the element securely in place.

[0032] For this purpose, the connecting element, at its second free end, is provided with a ring which, by means of a carabiner, can be hooked to the tow line.

[0033] The hooking operation, namely inserting the plate-like element between the thighs, is therefore very simple and quick, and is conveniently performed in the water.

[0034] By holding the plate-like element between the thighs, the connection to the diver is stable and secure, ensuring regular and uniform navigation without requiring any intervention or manoeuvres by the diver.

[0035] During underwater navigation, in the event of any accident or unforeseen incident involving either the diver or the scooter, the diver can unhook from the underwater scooter simply by removing the plate-like element from between the thighs, an operation that is therefore quick and straightforward.

[0036] At the end of navigation, the unhooking operation is also quick and easy since it is sufficient to remove the plate-like element from the thighs.

[0037] In the same way, it is possible in the water to transfer one’s underwater scooter to another diver.

[0038] These and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided solely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, wherein:

[0039] - figure 1 is a perspective view of the hooking device according to the present invention, relating to a first embodiment;

[0040] - figure 2 is a perspective view of the hooking device of figure 1 connected to a tow line, which in turn is connected to an underwater scooter;

[0041] - figure 3 is a perspective view of the hooking device of figure 1 in use, connected to an underwater scooter to which a diver is hooked;

[0042] - figure 4 is a perspective view of the hooking device of figure 1 provided with a signalling device or element;

[0043] - figure 5 is a perspective view of the hooking device of figure 1 provided with a ring for hooking a second diver;

[0044] - figure 6 is a perspective view of a hooking device according to the present invention, relating to a second embodiment.

[0045] In the figures, the reference numeral 10 generally indicates a hooking device for connecting a diver 120 to an underwater scooter 100.

[0046] As shown in particular in figures 1 and 2, the hooking device 10 comprises a platelike element 20 and a connecting element 30.

[0047] The plate-like element 20 is configured to be insertable between the thighs of a diver 120 and to be held in place between them, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0048] Preferably, the plate-like element 20 is a small plate, namely a disc-shaped element, however, it may also have other configurations, provided that it can be inserted and securely retained between the thighs of a diver.

[0049] For example, it may have an oval or even a polygonal shape.

[0050] Advantageously, the plate-like element 20 is provided with padding, or is anatomically shaped, so as to make it more comfortable for the diver to hold it between the thighs.

[0051] The connecting element 30, according to a first embodiment, comprises a strap or tape 32 made of flexible material, preferably a textile material.

[0052] The strap or tape 32 has two opposite ends 32A,32B: a first end 32A fixed to the platelike element 20 and a second free end 32B provided with a ring 34.

[0053] The strap or tape 32 preferably comprises a length adjustment system, not illustrated in the figures, such as for example a buckle, thereby allowing its length to be varied, for example from 20 cm to 50 cm.

[0054] As shown in figures 2 and 3, the hooking device 10 is connected, at one end, to an underwater scooter 100 by means of a tow line 110, and, at the other end, to the diver 120 by inserting the plate-like element 20 between the diver’s thighs.

[0055] More precisely, the tow line 110 is secured at its two ends 110A and HOB to two distinct points of the underwater scooter 100 by means of sliding knots, which respectively form loops 112A and 112B.

[0056] By sliding the knots, it is possible to increase or decrease the size of the loops 112A, 112B and thus vary the distance between the diver 120 and the underwater scooter 100, so that the diver 120 can position himself at an optimal distance from the scooter 100.

[0057] The hooking device 10 preferably also comprises a carabiner 40, which enables the quick connection of the ring 34 of the hooking device 10 to the tow line 110 by inserting both the ring 34 and the tow line 110 into the carabiner.

[0058] To use the hooking device 10, after connecting the two ends 110A,110B of the tow line 110 to the underwater scooter 100 and connecting the hooking device 10 to the tow line 110 by means of the carabiner 40, the diver 120 throws into the water the scooter 100, the tow line 110 and the hooking device 10, which are connected together, and finally, once in the water, grasps the plate-like element 20 and inserts it between the thighs, tightening them to hook onto the scooter 100.

[0059] At this point, the diver 120 can adjust the position of one or both sliding knots to regulate the distance from the underwater scooter 100 until reaching an optimal distance, or, alternatively, adjust the length of the strap or tape 32 by means of its length adjustment system.

[0060] Preferably, the plate-like element 20 is made of rigid materials so that the diver 120 can firmly grasp it and insert it between the thighs, ensuring it is securely held during navigation.

[0061] More preferably, the hooking device 10 is configured so as to be able to float when immersed in water and thus be visible.

[0062] In particular, the hooking device 10 is made of materials having a density lower than that of water, or is coupled to a float so as to be able to float when immersed in water.

[0063] For example, the following materials can be used: wood, plastic or polymeric materials such as polyurethane and polystyrene, or others.

[0064] Preferably, the hooking device 10 is made of reflective and / or refractive and / or luminescent and / or phosphorescent materials, so as to be easily detectable in water.

[0065] Preferably, the hooking device 10 is provided with a signalling device 22, which may be of the luminous and / or acoustic type and powered by an electric battery, so as to be more easily detectable

[0066] For example, as illustrated in figure 4, the signalling device 22 is mounted on the platelike element 20 on the side opposite to that on which the strap or tape 32 is attached.

[0067] It is thus possible to throw the underwater scooter 100, with the tow line 110 and the hooking device 10 attached, into the water and, owing to the buoyancy of the hooking device 10 and its reflective and / or refractive and / or luminescent and / or phosphorescent properties, or owing to the signalling device 22, the hooking device 10 can be easily detected and retrieved by the diver 120.

[0068] As illustrated in figure 5, the hooking device 10 may also be provided with a second ring 24 positioned on the plate-like element 20 on the side opposite to that on which the strap or tape 32 is attached, so as to allow the connection of another tow line, to which, in turn, a second hooking device can be connected for towing a second diver.

[0069] Preferably, the hooking device 10 comprises a radiofrequency geolocation and transmission apparatus, not illustrated in the figures, comprising, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) type geolocation unit and a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) type transmission card, as well as an electric battery for powering the geolocation and transmission apparatus, and a transceiver antenna.

[0070] In this way, the hooking device 10, with the underwater scooter 100 attached, can be quickly and easily geolocated both when launched into the water prior to diving and at the end of the dive, when the diver 120 disconnects from the hooking device 10.

[0071] This geolocation and transmission apparatus is preferably integrated into the plate-like element 20, and the transceiver antenna is mounted on the portion of the plate-like element 20 that, in the water, remains above the water surface, so that the antenna itself also remains above water.

[0072] In figure 6, a hooking device 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

[0073] The hooking device 200 is similar to the hooking device 10 of the first embodiment and therefore comprises a plate-like element 20 and, unlike the first embodiment, the connecting element 30 is an elongated rigid element 232 having two opposite ends 232 A, 232B: a first end 232 A fixed to the plate-like element 20 and a second free end 232B provided with a ring 234.

[0074] The elongated rigid element 232 preferably comprises at least two substantially rectilinear portions: a first portion 236 fixed to the plate-like element 20, and a second portion 238 having, at its free end 232B, the ring 234.

[0075] The two portions 236 and 238 are joined by a bent intermediate portion 240, the bending angle of which is preferably between 130° and 170°.

[0076] Preferably, the first portion 236 has a length between 20 and 50 cm, while the second portion 238 has a length between 10 and 20 cm.

[0077] The advantages achieved by the invention are therefore evident.

[0078] After connecting the tow line 110 to the underwater scooter 100 and in turn connecting the hooking device 10,200 to the tow line 110, as described above, the diver 120 throws the scooter 100, the tow line 110 and the hooking device 10,200, connected to each other, into the water, then dives in, grasps the plate-like element 20 and inserts it between the thighs so as to hold it securely.

[0079] Even in rough sea conditions with waves, the hooking device 10,200 remains easily detectable owing to its buoyancy and clear signalling, either via the signalling device 22, or by being reflective and / or refractive and / or luminescent and / or phosphorescent.

[0080] The hooking operation is therefore quick and effortless, simply by grasping the plate-like element 20 or the connecting element 30 with the hands and inserting the plate-like element 20 between the thighs.

[0081] The grip between the thighs is secure and stable, ensuring smooth and steady navigation. The unhooking from the device 10,200 occurs quickly and easily, as it is sufficient to manually grasp the plate-like element 20 or the connecting element 30 and withdraw the plate-like element 20 from between the thighs.

[0082] During use, the plate-like element 20 ensures stable and safe navigation.

[0083] If necessary, the plate-like element 20 can be removed from between the thighs and handed to another diver, so that the underwater scooter 100 can tow the other diver.

[0084] In the event of physical problems or malfunction of the underwater scooter 100, the diver can quickly disengage from it by simply removing the plate-like element 20 from between the thighs. At the end of navigation, the diver 120 can resurface after removing the plate-like element 20 and then, from the shore, easily retrieve the device 10,200 along with the underwater scooter 100.

[0085] Therefore, no harness or special equipment is required. Of course, the foregoing description of embodiments applying the inventive principles of the present invention is provided by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as claimed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Hooking device (10,200) for hooking a diver (120) to an underwater scooter (100), said device (10, 200) being connectable to a tow line (110) intended in turn to be connected to the underwater scooter (100), wherein said device (10,200) comprises a plate-like element (20) and a connecting element (30), said connecting element (30) having a first end (32A,232A) fixed to said plate-like element (20) and a second free end (32B,232B) connectable to said tow line (110), said plate-like element (20) being shaped so that it can be inserted between the thighs of the diver (120) and retained thereby, so that the underwater scooter (100) can tow the diver (120) by means of said tow line (110), characterised in that it is configured so as to be able to float when immersed in water and thus be visible.

2. Device (10, 200) according to claim 1, characterised in that it is made of materials having a density lower than that of water or is coupled to a float so as to be able to float when immersed in water3. Device (10,200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said connecting element (30), at its second free end (32B,232B), is provided with a ring (34) to which the tow line (110) is hooked by means of a carabiner (40).

4. Device (10,200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said connecting element (30) is a strap or tape (32) made of flexible material.

5. Device (10,200) according to claim 4, characterised in that it comprises a system for adjusting the length of said strap or tape (32).

6. Device (10,200) according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that said strap or tape (32) is provided with at least one ring (34) to which a second diver can be hooked.

7. Device (10,200) according to claim 1, characterised in that said connecting element (30) is an elongated rigid element (232).

8. Device (10,200) according to claim 7, characterised in that said elongated rigid element (232) comprises at least two substantially straight end portions (236,238) joined to each other by a bent intermediate portion (240).

9. Device (10,200) according to claim 8, characterised in that the bend angle of said bent intermediate portion (240) is between 130° and 170°.

10. Device (10,200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said plate-like element (20) is provided with an anatomical padding or is anatomically shaped.

11. Device (10,200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said plate-like element (20) is discoid.

12. Device (10, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said plate-like element (20), on the side opposite to that to which it is attached to said connecting element (30), is provided with a second ring (24) to which another hooking device (10, 200) can be attached for towing another diver.

13. Device (10,200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is provided with at least one luminous and / or acoustic signalling element (22) powered by an electric battery.

14. Device (10,200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is made of reflective and / or refractive and / or luminescent and / or phosphorescent materials.

15. Device (10, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a radio-frequency geolocation and transmission apparatus.

16. Device (10, 200) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said geolocation and transmission apparatus comprises a GPS (Global Positioning System) type geolocation unit and a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) type transmission card, as well as an electric battery for powering the geolocation and transmission apparatus and a transceiver antenna17. Use of a hooking device (10, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said plate-like element (20) is inserted between the thighs of a diver (120) and said second free end (32B, 232B) of said connecting element (30) is fixed to a tow line (110) which is in turn fixed to an underwater scooter (100), so that the diver (120) can be towed by the scooter (100).

18. Underwater scooter (100) characterised in that it comprises a hooking device (10,200) for hooking a diver (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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