BE1032038A1 - Reel for landing parachute - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ergonomic reel that facilitates and secures the inflation and launching of the safety parachute for all divers, even beginners. The reel is secured by a holding handle replacing the conventional handles of this type of reel, means for locking and unlocking the spool thanks to which it is impossible for the diver to forget to unlock the spool before launching the parachute and/or a retractable line rewind crank with no projections that could tangle the line when not in use.

Description

Reel for landing parachute

The present invention relates to the field of diving, and more particularly to an ergonomic reel which facilitates and secures the inflation and launching of the safety parachute for all divers, even beginners.

Background

One of the essential safety elements of a sea diver's equipment is the safety parachute.

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 period of time, usually to allow the levels of dissolved gases (nitrogen, helium) in their body to decrease, thereby reducing the formation of harmful bubbles in the body, which can cause decompression sickness.

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

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 spool of line, a handle, and a rewind crank. To prevent the line from unwinding uncontrollably throughout the dive, reels are equipped with a spool locking system, such as a ratchet or lock, as illustrated in US5938140A.

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 lead to an unwanted ascent.

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 not be inflated enough and therefore not very visible on the surface, nor too late, otherwise it will be carried to the surface with him.

The ascent of the inflated parachute to the surface causes the spool to spin rapidly, which can cause the reel to vibrate, which is transmitted to the handle and may cause the diver to release the handle. The diver must also constantly exert effort to maintain the reel's orientation.

Finally, when the diver ascends to the surface, rewinding the line can require significant effort, tiring for the diver.

The applicant therefore considered it necessary to improve the design of a reel to facilitate its use and, above all, to make the diver safer when inflating and launching his buoy.

Summary of the invention

The invention relates to a reel for a landing parachute comprising: - A support; - a reel arranged to rotate freely around an axis perpendicular (19) to the support and comprising a rewinding crank; the support being shaped with a handle extending offset from the reel, the reel comprising means for blocking the rotation of the reel.

The support is a rigid structure on which the elements of the reel are arranged. It preferably has a substantially flat portion on which is mounted a perpendicular axis carrying the reel and around which the reel can rotate. The wire from the reel can thus be wound and unwound.

The support may, if necessary, include holes or eyelets to attach various elements such as, for example, means for locking the reel, fixing means such as a carabiner or even elastic attachment means such as an elastic band.

The reel of the invention concerns several aspects significantly 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.

A. Means for locking the rotation of the reel

The support of the reel of the invention comprises at least one means for blocking the rotation of the reel. Preferably these are elastic blocking means.

Here, elastic locking means are understood to mean a means designed to temporarily immobilize or lock the spool relative to its support, i.e. to prevent its rotation, and thus to prevent the wire wound on the reel from unwinding.

The elastic aspect here implies that the blocking is ensured by an elastic force.

The elastic locking means of the invention is preferably fixed or attached to the support so that it can be stretched over the spool to block its rotation. It is preferably an elastic band, i.e. a cord made of stretchable material.

Alternatively, it can be a spring, possibly combined with a rod.

Preferably, the elastic locking means comprise an elastic band attached to the support.

Preferably, the support includes an orifice through which the elastic passes.

Preferably, the support comprises an orifice through which a closed elastic band passes, i.e. the elastic band forms a closed curve.

Preferably, the elastic is sized to be able to surround or enclose the support and at least a portion of the coil by applying a force to the coil, preventing its rotation.

Preferably, the elastic is also sized to surround the wound parachute and pressed against the face of the support opposite the spool. Therefore, when the diver removes the elastic to release the parachute, he unlocks the spool at the same time. 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 before launching the parachute: even stressed or distracted, the diver is not likely to forget to unlock the spool from the reel and be carried upwards. By "sized", this means determining at least the length as well as the resistance to elongation of the elastic.

Also, unlike state-of-the-art reels which are equipped with a lever to be pressed throughout the duration of the parachute's ascent to maintain the release of the spool, with the reel of the invention equipped with elastic locking means for the spool, the diver does not have to press any lever continuously throughout the duration of the parachute's ascent to the surface. The diver therefore does not risk involuntarily releasing such a lever (which can happen with a reel that vibrates a lot) or being carried upwards.

Advantageously, a second means of attachment, for example a second elastic band, may be provided on the support, to improve the retention of the buoy against the face of the support opposite the reel.

B. The cove

The support of the reel of the invention is shaped with a handle extending off-set from the reel.

Unlike conventional reels that include a handle, the reel of the invention includes a holding loop. A handle requires the diver to insert their fingers into an opening and close their thumb over their fingers to grip the handle. All fingers are involved and contraction of the hand muscles is required.

On the contrary, the handle of the reel according to the invention does not involve all the fingers and does not require muscular contraction. It is a rigid element forming a closed curve, relatively thin, like a ring. It is not adapted to the shape of the hand like a handle. The rigid element forming the handle has for example a section having a diameter between 0.4 and 3 cm, preferably between 0.6 and 2 cm, preferably between 1 and 2 cm.

You simply insert two fingers into the handle or pass the handle between your thumb and index finger to hold the reel, without requiring any effort from your fingers and it is even not recommended to squeeze your fingers on the handle.

The easy grip of the reel thanks to the handle ensures instant release of the reel in case of emergency, for example concerning the safety of the diver. This easy grip also allows easy passage from one hand to the other, or from one diver to another.

Preferably, the handle 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.

In a preferred mode, the handle is wide, so the diver can hold it, regardless of the type of diving gloves used.

Preferably, an annular or circular handle 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. 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, preferably greater than or equal to 5 cm. Such an extremely wide handle of the reel allows it to be held even with the largest gloves ("Heavy Duty" gloves size 2XL, U.S. size 11) and the thickest and equipped with heated undergloves (used during diving in cold water).

The shape of the handle of the reel of the invention and the way of holding it allow it to be released instantly in case of emergency. For example, if a boat's propeller gets caught in the line, simply turn the wrist or let it turn to instantly release the reel. Even when wearing thick gloves in winter, it is impossible for the hand to get stuck. The shape of the handle allows the reel to be held indifferently with the right or left hand.

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

Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, the handle and the support may be molded as a single “monobloc” block. A monobloc molding is a molding where two parts are made together from the same material, thus forming a single, inseparable structure, with no visible separation between them.

This type of configuration provides high structural integrity and an absence of joints.

The handle and/or the support can, for example, be made of reinforced polymers, of one type or a combination of several. Reinforced polymers are lighter than metals, which reduces the overall weight of the reel and therefore increases the buoyancy of the whole.

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.

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

Preferably, the reel has near-neutral buoyancy (when dropped into the water, it rises or sinks very slowly). This takes advantage of the buoyancy of the reel, which is very light. If the diver accidentally 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, makes it easier to use the reel in seawater. Unlike metals, reinforced polymers do not corrode or rust. Thus, the handle has a long lifespan and requires little maintenance.

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

The invention also relates to a method of releasing a landing parachute, according to which a diver underwater holds the reel of the invention by inserting only a thumb into the handle during inflation and release of the parachute buoy.

Alternatively, the invention also relates to a method of releasing a landing parachute, according to which a diver underwater holds the reel of the invention by inserting only one to three fingers, other than the thumb, into the handle during inflation and release of the parachute buoy.

C. The spool and its rewind handle

In one aspect of the invention, the spool has a rewinding crank arranged radially around the axis of rotation of the spool 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.

Preferably, in the unfolded position, the length of the lever arm is at least 1.5 times the radius of the coil, preferably at least 1.8 times the radius of the coil.

Unlike state-of-the-art reels for diving, where the rewind handle at the edge of the spool provides a small lever arm, the deployable rewind crank according to the invention reduces the effort required to rewind. 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, in the extended position of the crank, a grip button is provided at the end of the crank when the crank arm is extended. This grip button makes it easier for the diver to grip the crank and therefore facilitates use of the reel.

Preferably, the spool includes a cavity for accommodating the grip button in the stowed position of the crank. Thus, the grip button does not protrude when the parachute/buoy is deployed.

Unlike conventional reels with a very protruding grip knob, this particular arrangement of the crank and grip knob avoids the risk of the line getting tangled in the crank and/or the grip knob when deploying the buoy/parachute.

Preferably, the crank grip button is housed at the spool axle, which may for example be hollow.

The cavity is arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation of the reel, in order to accommodate the grip button in the folded position of the crank. This configuration prevents the reel from becoming unbalanced during its rotation.

Preferably, the spool includes a radial groove shaped to accommodate the crank when folded. Thus, the crank does not protrude when the parachute is deployed.

Preferably, the groove and the knob are centered. This way, the spool has its center of gravity at its center of rotation, which helps avoid vibrations during use, especially when unwinding the line.

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 mode, this particular arrangement of the crank, in particular the presence of a grip button housed in a cavity having axial symmetry with the axis of rotation of the spool, a groove to house the crank and a very light crank hinge, makes it possible to prevent the creation of unbalance and vibrations of the spool during the ascent of the buoy (unwinding of the line).

In a preferred embodiment, the crank hinge is made of a strong but very lightweight material, such as a fiber-reinforced polymer.

Unbalance is understood to mean an imbalance linked to an asymmetry in a rotating system, here the reel, which if unbalanced generates unwanted vibrations of the reel.

Preferably, the crank of the invention unfolds parallel to the plane of the support.

According to the invention, to use the crank, it is sufficient to unfold the crank arm and rotate it in a plane parallel to the plane of the support, to wind the line onto the spool. 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 is in the folded position.

Preferably, in the folded position, the entire crank fits into a housing provided on the surface of the spool.

This prevents the crank from protruding during parachute deployment.

Preferably, the reel of the invention is shaped with a wire guide extending perpendicular to the plane of the support and parallel to the axis of rotation of the spool. The wire guide is typically an orifice through which the wire from the spool passes during its unwinding or winding. This wire guide is designed to direct and hold the wire in place, forcing it to follow a specific path.

Preferably, the line guide is positioned against the spool opposite the bail. Thus, when the buoy is launched, which rises vertically towards the surface, the line, the end of which is attached to the buoy, leaves the spool vertically upwards through the line guide. The line changes direction little as it passes through the line guide (it remains almost vertical), and therefore exerts limited force on the line guide, so that the diver does not have to maintain any effort to maintain the orientation of the reel and a possible knot in the line is less likely to get stuck in the line guide. Thus, the line guide helps to limit the excursion of the line and the risk of it becoming tangled.

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 diver must therefore hold the handle with his whole hand and exert force on the reel handle, in order to maintain the direction of the wire and the reel.

With the reel according to the invention, the plunger holds the reel loosely which positions itself naturally 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 does not have to make any effort to hold the reel of the invention.

Preferably, the reel includes a spool braking system to control (limit) the unwinding speed of the wire when the parachute is launched. For example, the spool braking system includes a relief element extending partially over the surface of the support intended to receive the spool, for example a metal rod, and cooperating with a relief on the spool, for example raised lobes arranged radially around the axis, on the surface of the spool, the relief element and the lobes cooperating with each other, i.e. being arranged to exert friction against each other when the wire is unwound, i.e. in one direction of rotation of the spool, but much less friction in the other direction, when the wire is wound, in the manner of a cliduet 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.

For constant braking during unwinding, the reel may include means of adjustment, possibly manual, of 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 of the reel. It may for example

It is a headless screw pressing more or less on the metal rod.

The reel can be made of one or more materials such as anodized aluminum, marine-grade stainless steel (AISI 316 or ASTM A316, AISI 316L), titanium, or polymers, some of which are fiber-reinforced. These materials give it rigidity, robustness, and resistance to external environments such as immersion in salt water or sunlight.

According to a preferred embodiment, the support and the handle are produced by injection molding.

A reel according to the invention may include one or more of the features detailed above. Advantageously, it contains all of them. Thus, by keeping the line tightly wound, and unwinding it in a controlled manner, thanks to the spool locking means, the handle and the rewinding crank of the present invention, the diver makes less effort and reduces the risk of the line becoming tangled around him and/or the reel or other underwater objects. It is a safety device designed to facilitate the unwinding and storage of the line or rope used during the dive.

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.

Additionally, this label can be protected by a sturdy transparent window that protects the label from rubbing off. Writing your name on the reel makes it easier to find among other reels left 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 his name and identifying his boat can save the diver's life, or avoid unnecessary search costs at sea. Thus, a boat crew that finds a decompression 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.

Detailed description

The invention will be better understood by the following description of several examples, with reference to the figures according to which: - Figures 1A and 1B are a perspective view of a reel according to the invention with respectively the rewinding crank folded and the rewinding crank unfolded.

- Figure 2 is a median sectional view of the reel of Figure 1. - Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C are photographs of a reel of the invention, with or without an associated parachute/buoy. - Figures 4A and 4B are photographs illustrating one way of holding a reel of the invention; Figures 4C and 4D illustrate another way of holding a reel according to the invention. - Figure 5 is a sectional view of a reel of the invention; - Figure 6 is an exploded view of the spool of Figure 2.

The various characteristics possibly illustrated separately in the examples below 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.

With reference to Figures 1A and 1B, a reel 1 according to the invention comprises a support 10, here generally inscribed in a plane and having a flat portion and an openwork portion.

A coil 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 figure 1) allowing the coil 12, which is substantially hollow, to be threaded into it. 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 by means of 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 moves here in a plane parallel to the plane of the support 10. When the crank 14 is offset in the unfolded position (Fig. 1B), it is provided at its end with a grip button 15 which facilitates its use by a diver. In the folded position (Fig. 1A), the button 15 is housed in a cavity of the spool, at the axis 19.

A wire guide 13 is fixed to the support 10, opposite the handle 11. It extends parallel to the axis 19, over the height of the spool 12. A gap is provided between the wire guide 13 and the spool 12; the wire guide 13 does not touch the spool 12 here.

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 here molded in one piece. The handle 11 is here annular or circular in shape.

The support 10 here also comprises two orifices 17, placed between the handle 11 and the portion receiving the coil 12. A closed elastic band 18 passes through one of the orifices 17. These are the means for blocking the rotation of the coil 12.

The elastic is free here. To block the rotation of the spool 12, the elastic must be inserted between the thread guide 13 and the spool 12, against the thread. The pressure, or elastic force then applied to the thread and the spool 12 prevents it from rotating.

Referring to Figures 2 and 6, the spool 12 comprises a base 22, which supports the cylinder whose axis is the rotation axis 19 of the spool 12, and a cap 21 which defines the external surface of the spool 12 and the reel. Thus, the axis 19 is threaded inside the spool 12. The axis 19 rests on a projection 23 of the base of the support 10, and is retained under the support 10 by means of a pin 20. The cap 21 has a cavity on its upper face in which is housed the button 15 of the crank 14 here illustrated in the folded position.

The crank 14 is unfoldable thanks to the hinge 16 arranged on the perimeter 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.

This reel 12 can for example allow more than 76 meters (250 ft) of wire with a diameter of 1 mm to be wound, or more than 33 meters of wire (100 ft) with a diameter of 2 mm. The handle 11 is also illustrated here, in the plane 24 of the support 10.

Photograph 3A illustrates a reel according to figures 1 and 2, comprising a first elastic band 31 passing through the first orifice, a carabiner 33 attached to the second orifice and a second elastic band 32 passing through an additional orifice provided in the handle of the reel.

The carabiner can be used to suspend the entire reel and parachute attached to each other, from a ring on the diver.

Photographs 3B and 3C show the reel of Figure 3A, associated with a buoy 34 wound on itself and pressed against the rear face of the support 30 of the reel 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, 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 for blocking the rotation of the spool.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many alternative embodiments may be implemented without departing from the principles of the invention. For example, instead of the elastic 31 to simultaneously attach the parachute and lock the spool, one possible alternative might be to use a rod and a spring: joining the parachute to the reel would push a rod into the spool and lock it; in the absence of a parachute, a spring would move the rod away from the spool, automatically unlocking the spool.

The handle of the reel can be manipulated in different ways.

Figures 4A to 4D illustrate a reel 40 and the various possibilities for holding it by the diver. Preferably, the reel 40 may require only the use of the thumb (Figures 4A and 4B), 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 4A and 4C). An advantageous option of the invention also allows the reel 40 to be held with one to three fingers (Figures 4C and 4D). For example, by inserting one or two fingers into the handle 41, here for example the index finger and the middle finger.

As illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, it is sufficient to insert the thumb into the handle 41 of the reel 40. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 4B and 4C, it is possible to hold the reel 40 by inserting one or two fingers into the handle 41, here for example the index finger and the middle finger.

As illustrated in these figures, the plunger 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 hand or the right hand, and does not require contraction of the muscles of the hand to hold it.

Therefore, 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 line, any vibrations will not be transmitted to the diver's hand, which then does not risk letting go of the reel.

The reel of the invention may comprise a spool braking system. With reference to Figure 5, the lower face of the spool (external face of the base) may have stop means, here raised lobes 51 arranged concentrically around the axis of rotation of the spool. A brake 52, here a slightly flexible elastic metal rod whose end is curved to interact with the lobes 51, is inserted into the support 10, and rubs on the lobes 51. Thanks to the shape of the lobes 51, the braking is negligible during rewinding, and more significant during unwinding. A headless 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 the screw 53 is tightened, the greater the pressure exerted on the brake 52, which increases the resistance to rotation of the spool of wire. This allows the diver to adjust the line spool braking system before his dive, on dry land.

A suggested setting is for example that the wire unwinds when the pull in the wire is greater than 5 to 10 Newtons (approximately the weight on earth of a mass of 0.5 kg to 1 kg).

So in water, the inflated parachute will only pull the diver upwards with a force of 5 to 10 Newtons at most, and the diver will therefore be able to easily maintain buoyancy and depth.

In water the apparent weight of the new reel is very low, less than 0.2 Newton (approximately 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 brake tension 52 is adjusted by turning the grub screw 53 using a suitable tool.

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.

The invention thus comprises several aspects which can be implemented individually or in combination, to improve the safety of use of landing gear reels.

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 blocking the rotation of the reel (18, 31, 32).

The first aspect of the invention relates to the means for locking the rotation of the spool (18, 31, 32) which may be elastic locking means. These elastic locking means (18, 31) may comprise a spring.

Alternatively or additionally, the elastic locking means may comprise an elastic band attached to the support (18, 31).

The support (10) may comprise an orifice 17 through which the elastic (18, 31) passes.

In the reel of the first aspect, the elastic (18,31) may be sized to be able to surround the support 10 and at least a portion of the spool (12) by applying a force to the spool preventing its rotation.

According to the reel of the first aspect, the elastic (18, 31) can be sized to be able to also surround a buoy (34) or a wound parachute, pressed against the face of the support opposite the reel (12).

According to the reel of the first aspect, it is possible to have at least a second attachment means to improve the holding of the buoy (34) against the face of the support opposite the spool (12).

According to the reel of the first aspect, it is possible to release the parachute and therefore unblock the reel by removing the elastic surrounding the support.

The second aspect of the invention concerns the handle (11) which is a rigid element forming a closed curve.

According to this second aspect, the handle (11) can be formed from a rigid element, which can have a section whose diameter can be between 0.4 and 3 cm, preferably between 0.6 and 2 cm, preferably between 1 and 2 cm.

The handle (11) may have a substantially circular, annular, oval, elliptical or ovoid shape.

The annular or circular handle (11) may have 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.

The handle (11) may also have an oval, elliptical or ovoid shape, the major axis of which 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.

According to the reel of the second aspect, the handle (11) may extend in the plane of the support (10), next to the portion of the support supporting the spool 12.

According to the reel of the second aspect, the handle (11) and the support (10) can be molded as a single block.

According to the reel of the second aspect, the handle (11) and/or the support (10) may be made of reinforced polymers.

The reel of the invention preferably has neutral buoyancy.

According to the reel of the second aspect, anti-slip grooves can be printed during molding on at least a portion of the surface of the handle (11).

Preferably, the reel of the second aspect combines the properties of the handle and the means for blocking the rotation of the reel (18, 31, 32) which may be elastic blocking means according to the first aspect.

Preferably, the reel of the second aspect of the invention combines the properties of the rewind crank (14) according to the third aspect of the invention, which can be unfolded so that in the unfolded position its length is greater than the diameter of the spool (12).

According to the reel of the second aspect, a diver underwater can hold the reel (1) by inserting only a thumb into the handle (11) during inflation and release of the buoy (34) of a parachute.

According to the reel of the second aspect, a diver underwater can 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.

The third aspect of the invention relates to the crank (14) which is preferably arranged radially around the axis of rotation (19) of the spool and is unfoldable so that in the unfolded position the length of the lever arm for rewinding is greater than the radius of the spool (12).

According to this third aspect, the rewinding crank (14) can be unfoldable so that in the unfolded position, the length of the lever arm is at least equal to 1.5 times the radius of the spool, preferably at least equal to 1.8 times the radius of the spool.

According to the reel of the third aspect, the crank (14) can be arranged to unfold parallel to the plane of the support (10).

According to the reel of the third aspect, a grip button (15) may be arranged at the end of the crank (14) when the arm of the crank (14) is extended.

According to the reel of the third aspect, the spool (12) may comprise a cavity for housing the grip button (15) in the folded position of the crank (14).

According to the reel of the third aspect, said cavity can be arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation of the reel (19).

The reel of the third aspect may include a reel braking system. According to the reel of the third aspect,

the braking system may comprise a relief element (51) extending partially over the surface of the support (10) intended to receive the coil (12) and cooperating with a relief on the coil (12).

According to the reel of the third aspect, the braking system may comprise a spring (52) fixed on the surface of the support (10) intended to receive the reel (12) and cooperating with a relief (51) on the reel (12).

The reel of the third aspect may comprise means for adjusting the braking system. The reel of the third aspect may comprise means for blocking the rotation of the reel (18, 31, 32) according to the first aspect, such as elastic blocking means.

The reel of the third aspect may comprise the handle (11) of the second aspect, which is a rigid element forming a closed curve.

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 (9)

Claims 1. A reel (1) for a landing parachute comprising: - a support (10); - a spool (12) arranged to rotate freely 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 spool (12), the reel (1) comprising means for blocking the rotation of the spool (18, 31, 32). 2. Reel (1) according to claim 1, in which the means for blocking the rotation of the reel (18, 31, 32) are elastic blocking means. 3. Reel (1) according to claim 2, in which elastic locking means (18, 31) comprise a spring. 4. Reel (1) according to claim 2, in which elastic locking means comprise an elastic fixed to the support (18, 31). 5. Reel (1) according to claim 4, in which the support (10) comprises an orifice (17) through which the elastic (18, 31) passes. 6. Reel (1) according to one of claims 4 and 5, in which the elastic (18, 31) is sized to be able to surround the support (10) and at least part of the reel (12) by applying a force to the reel preventing its rotation. 7. Reel (1) according to claim 6, in which the elastic (18, 31) is sized to be able to also surround a buoy (34) or a wound parachute, pressed against the face of the support opposite the reel (12). 8. Reel (1) according to claim 6, comprising at least one second attachment means for improving the holding of the buoy (34) against the face of the support opposite the reel (12). 9. Method of using the reel according to one of claims 1 to 8, according to which the elastic surrounding the support and at least part of the reel is removed to release the parachute and unblock the reel.