Device for locating and possibly retrieving an object which has fallen into the water

Abstract

A device for locating and possibly retrieving an object which has fallen into the water, such as, for example, a key, a bunch of keys, a mobile telephone, a pair of glasses, a piece of equipment or a person or an animal. The device has a holder that can be connected to the object and a float that is connected in a disconnectable manner to the holder. A connecting cord connects the holder to the float. The device further has a liquid-absorbing element, which expands when it absorbs liquid as a result of the object falling into the water, in such a way that the float disconnects from the holder and rises to the surface, while the connection by means of the connecting cord is retained.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for locating and possibly retrieving an object which has fallen into the water, such as, for example, a key, a bunch of keys, a mobile telephone, a pair of glasses, a piece of equipment or a person or an animal, which device comprises: 
 a holder that can be connected to an object,    a float that is connected in a disconnectable manner to the holder,    a connecting cord that connects the holder to the float,    a liquid-absorbing element, which expands when it absorbs liquid as a result of the object falling into the water, in such a way that the float disconnects from the holder and rises to the surface, while the connection by means of the connecting cord is retained.    
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1 , in which the float is connected with a retaining force to the holder, and in which the expansion of the liquid-absorbing element provides a disconnection force that exceeds the retaining force.  
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 1 , in which the liquid-absorbing element is accommodated in the holder, one or more supply channels being present for the supply of water to the liquid-absorbing element.  
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 1 , in which the liquid-absorbing element is disposed between the holder and the float.  
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 1 , in which the float is accommodated in a force fit in the holder.  
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 1 , in which one or more spring elements are provided, which spring elements retain the float in a disconnectable manner in the holder.  
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 1 , in which the liquid-absorbing element is disposed under preload between the float and the holder.  
     
     
         8 . Device according to  claim 1 , in which the liquid-absorbing element is accommodated in a corresponding space in the holder, to which space the one or more liquid supply channels connect, and one or more discharge channels being provided in order to discharge gas from the space under the influence of the inflowing water.  
     
     
         9 . Device according to  claim 1 , in which the connecting means for the object are fitted on the side of the holder facing away from the float.  
     
     
         10 . Device according to  claim 1 , in which one or more supply channels have a supply aperture on the side of the device facing the connecting means for the object.  
     
     
         11 . Device according to  claim 1 , in which the device comprises a reel element around which at least part of the cord is wound.