US3646684A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Depth-finding device
Assignee: TO Plastics Inc
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Filing: 1969-10-02
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Granted: 1972-03-07
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Expires: 1989-10-02
Abstract
Abstract A depth finder comprises a float body having a peripheral continuous groove encircling the same, the groove corresponding in length to a standard length unit. A line is anchored to the float at one end, and a weight is attached to the other end of the line. The number of turns of line unwound from or wound upon the float as the weight is drawn from, or dropped into a body of water may serve to indicate the depth of the body of water.
Inventors
- 👤 Glen E Paulsen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 03:42
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01C; G01C13/00; G01C13/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A depth indicator including: an elongated float body having substantially parallel sides and rounded ends, said body having a continuing peripheral groove therein on a common plane extending along said parallel sides and rounded ends, and the peripheral length of which corresponds to a standard unit of length, a flexible line anchored at one end to said float body and wound about said body in said groove, each convolution of said line being of substantially equal length to said standard unit of length, a weight secured to the other end of said line having a specific gravity greater than that of water, and releasable attaching means engaging a portion of said line intermediate the ends thereof, said releasable attaching means spanning said groove and holding the portion of said line between said releasable attaching means and said one end of said line from unwinding from said float.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
A depth indicator including: an elongated float body having substantially parallel sides and rounded ends, said body having a continuing peripheral groove therein on a common plane extending along said parallel sides and rounded ends, and the peripheral length of which corresponds to a standard unit of length, a flexible line anchored at one end to said float body and wound about said body in said groove, each convolution of said line being of substantially equal length to said standard unit of length, a weight secured to the other end of said line having a specific gravity greater than that of water, and releasable attaching means engaging a portion of said line intermediate the ends thereof, said releasable attaching means spanning said groove and holding the portion of said line between said releasable attaching means and said one end of said line from unwinding from said float.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The structure of claim 1 and in which said float body is made of resilient plastic material, and includes a longitudinally extending recess in which said weight may be resiliently engaged.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The structure of claim 2 and in which said weight may be frictionally engaged in said recess.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The structure of claim 1 and in which said body includes handle means by means of which said body may be engaged, said handle being on one side of said groove.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The structure of claim 4 in which said handle means comprises an elongated rib on said float body.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The structure of claim 5 and in which said rib extends substantially parallel to said substantially parallel sides of said body.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
130 words
A depth indicator including: a float body, said body having a continuing peripheral groove therein on a common plane and the peripheral length of which corresponds to a standard unit of length, A flexible line anchored at one to said float body and wound about said body in said groove, A weight secured to the other end of said line having a specific gravity greater than that of water, and releasable attaching means engaging a portion of said line intermediate the ends thereof to said float to hold the portion of said line between said releasable attaching means and said one end of said line from unwinding from said float, said releasable attaching means comprising a generally U-shaped resilient clip engageable with said float on opposite sides of said groove.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
130 words
A depth indicator including: a float body, said body having a continuing peripheral groove therein on a common plane and the peripheral length of which corresponds to a standard unit of length, A flexible line anchored at one to said float body and wound about said body in said groove, A weight secured to the other end of said line having a specific gravity greater than that of water, and releasable attaching means engaging a portion of said line intermediate the ends thereof to said float to hold the portion of said line between said releasable attaching means and said one end of said line from unwinding from said float, said releasable attaching means comprising a generally U-shaped resilient clip engageable with said float on opposite sides of said groove.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The structure of claim 7 and in which said clip includes an aperture through which said line extends.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The structure of claim 7 and in which the intermediate portion of said clip includes an aperture through which said line extends.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-03-07 | 1975-09-06 | 1976-03-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-03-07 | 1979-09-06 | 1980-03-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-03-07 | 1983-09-06 | 1984-03-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |