US4240371A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Signal bladder
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1979-08-17
•
Granted: 1980-12-23
•
Expires: 1999-08-17
Abstract
Abstract A signalling device for underwater divers, in the form of an inflatable bladder held within a container and attached to a reel. The device can be attached to a diver, being strapped to his arm or to his air tank, for example. The device can be actuated by pulling a handle, which releases a gas cartridge to inflate the bladder as it is simultaneously released from the container to float to the surface. Rescuers can then follow the line down to the reel to locate the diver.
Inventors
- 👤 Theodore M. Perry
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 03:55
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63C; B63C9/00; B63C9/26; B63C11/00; B63C11/02; B63C11/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
A signalling device for divers, comprising: an inflatable bladder; container means for removably holding said bladder, said container means comprising a flexible bag formed in two separable halves held together by a releasable securing means comprising strips of hooking material; gripping means at one end of said container means for being grasped by a hand and removed from said container means; compressed gas supply means connected to said bladder and said gripping means for supply of compressed gas to inflate said bladder upon removal of said gripping means; line storage means for storing a flexible line; a flexible line connected at one end to said bladder and at the other end to said line storage means; and attaching means for attachment of the device to a diver's body or equipment and comprising flexible straps.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
A signalling device for divers, comprising: an inflatable bladder; container means for removably holding said bladder, said container means comprising a flexible bag formed in two separable halves held together by a releasable securing means comprising strips of hooking material; gripping means at one end of said container means for being grasped by a hand and removed from said container means; compressed gas supply means connected to said bladder and said gripping means for supply of compressed gas to inflate said bladder upon removal of said gripping means; line storage means for storing a flexible line; a flexible line connected at one end to said bladder and at the other end to said line storage means; and attaching means for attachment of the device to a diver's body or equipment and comprising flexible straps.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A signalling device in accordance with claim 1, further including holder means, pivotally attached to said line storage means, for releaseably holding said compressed gas supply means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A signalling device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the line storage means comprises a reel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A signalling device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said compressed gas supply means comprises a CO 2 cartridge.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-12-23 | 1984-06-23 | 1984-12-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-12-23 | 1988-06-23 | 1988-12-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-12-23 | 1992-06-23 | 1992-12-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |