GB2280840A

GB2280840A - Diver's weight

Info

Publication number: GB2280840A
Application number: GB9316706A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wallace Bertrand Lumb; Simon Anthony Rodger
Original assignee: LUMB BROTHERS; MARTIN MILLS Ltd
Current assignee: LUMB BROTHERS; MARTIN MILLS Ltd
Priority date: 1993-08-11
Filing date: 1993-08-11
Publication date: 1995-02-15
Also published as: GB9316706D0

Abstract

A weighted hand (10) comprises a container (12) to which is attached a length of webbing (14) by lengths of stitching (20). A securing means in the form of a plug (16) and socket (18) of a quick release type is attached to the webbing (14). The container (12) holds weights (22) loosely in position. <IMAGE>

Description

Divers Weight The present invention relates to weights used by divers to counteract the natural buoyancy of the human body.

For example divers use weights around the ankles or lower parts of the legs in order to keep the body in a generally "feet down" position. Without such weights the legs would tend to rise and turn the diver upside down.

The present invention seeks to provide a novel form of divers weight particularly for use around the ankles or lower parts of the legs. However the invention is not restricted to the provision of weights around the ankles or lower parts of the legs and could be used for example around a divers waist.

A known form of divers weight comprises a bag of lead shot which can be sub-divided into two separate pockets, the bag being wrappable around a divers ankle or lower leg and secured in position by appropriate fasteners. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that in order to obtain the desired weight for example approximately 1i to 2 lbs for each leg the volume occupied by the appropriate quantity of lead shot results in relatively bulky and inconvenient weight. It has also been found that whilst the lead shot adapts to the shape of the divers leg the weight can not be manoeuvred on the leg without considerable inconvenience.

The present invention seeks to provide a divers weight which is compact and convenient to use.

Accordingly the present invention provides a weighted band comprising a number of weights located in a container, the container having securing means enabling the ends of the band to be joined together, the weights each comprising a single piece of material and each weight being loosely secured in the container.

The container can be formed from a textile fabric for example a fabric sold under the registered trade mark CORDURA.

The weights can be a loose fit in each pocket by partially stitching opposed walls of the container together thereby enabling the band to be twisted.

The securing means can be attached to webbing.

The webbing can extend along the length of the band and the securing means can comprise FASTEX (registered trade mark) quick release clips.

Preferably the securing means is adjustable in length.

The band can be sized to fit a divers waist or ankle.

The present invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which; Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic elevation of one form of weighted band according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a part elevation illustrating the opposite side of the band shown in figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of one of the weights used in the weighted band; and Figure 4 is a section on line A-A in figure 3.

Referring to the drawings a weighted band (10) comprises a container (12) to which is attached a length of webbing (14).

A securing means in the form of a spring plug (16) and a socket (18) of the type sold under the registered trade mark FASTEX is attached to the webbing (14).

The length of webbing (14) is adjustable on the spring socket (16) so that the overall length of the webbing (14) can be adjusted to suit the user.

The webbing (14) is attached to a container (12) by lengths of stitching (20) which extend only partially across the width of the container (12). The lengths of stitching (20) create a number of pockets (22) within the container (12) and these pockets serve to maintain weights (22) loosely in position within the container (12).

The container (12) can be made from a textile fabric sold under the registered trade mark CORDURA. However other textile fabrics can be used provided that they are resistant to the effects of sea water.

The webbing (14) can be formed from polypropylene.

The weights (22) are preferably made from lead which can be cast, machined from solid or formed in any appropriate manner.

Preferably each weight is roughly oblong in plan and in section has a flat surface (22A) and a convex surface (22B). The flat surface (22A) is placed adjacent to the webbing (14) so that the convex surface (22B) is adjacent the outer surface of the container (12).

In use the length of the webbing (14) is adjusted on the spring plug (16) to suit the individual diver and the plug (16) is inserted into the socket (18) in order to attach the weighted band to the ankle or lower leg of a diver.

r It will be appreciated that each weight (22) because it can move within the bag but is constrained to a certain extent by the stitching (20) can easily adapt to the shape of the wearers leg.

Also the band is relatively flexible and can easily be twisted also assisting in adapting the band to the shape of the wearers leg. The volume of the weighted band is considerably reduced in comparison to a weight formed from lead shot of a comparable weight. In practice it has been found that a weighted band according to the present invention is considerably less bulky and far more convenient to use mainly due to the reduction in volume of the weights (22) and the flexibility of the weighted band and the ability of the individual weights (22) to move within the container (12).

Whilst the invention has been described using lead weights, other weights of a similar density material can also be used.

For example a weighted band according to the present invention has been constructed using six x 4 oz cast lead weights thereby providing a total weight of 1libs. Including the container (12), the overall dimensions were approximately 225mm by 55mm by l5mm.

Claims

1. A weighted band comprising a number of weights located in a container, the container having securing means enabling the ends of the band to be joined together, the weights each comprising a single piece of material and each weight being loosely secured in the container.

2. A band as claimed in claim 1 in which the container is formed from a textile fabric.

3. A container as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the weights are a loose fit in each pocket by partially stitching opposed walls of the container together.

4. A band as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the securing means is attached to webbing.

5. A band as claimed in claim 4 in which the webbing extends along the length of the band and the securing means comprises quick release clips.

6. A band as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the securing means is adjustable in length.

7. A band as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the band is sized to fit a persons waist or ankle.

8. A weighted band constructed and arranged for use and operation substantially as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.