Retract A Flag

Abstract

“Retract-A-Flag is a snorkelers/divers flag and buoy that automatically dispenses and retracts lanyard as diver descends and ascends. This allows diver to focus completely on dive and not on line tending as this is a hands free function. Lanyard is kept taut and clear of diver, eliminating diver/lanyard entanglement. Safety Break-Away eliminates the dangers associated with marine vessel vs. diver lanyard snags. Diver surfaces with dive flag every time. Internal weight allows for easier transport and storage. Integrated carry handle allows for easier transport.”

1 . A dive flag and buoy line dispenser apparatus consisting of, in combination, a flotation buoy, formed of a buoyant material, arranged for flotation purposes on top surface of a body of water, and
 a pull box assembly including a constant force spring, spring spool, lanyard storage spool, flexible lanyard, dive flag pole receptacle, wherein said assembly is mounted inside or outside of said buoyant material, having its axis of rotation generally horizontal to said body of water the buoyant material is floating upon, and   a quick-connect and safety break-away assembly arranged for quick connect of working end of lanyard (which said quick connect is attached) to the safety break-away, which is secured to a location on diver or dive gear, preferable about scuba tank cylinder valve, and   a weight ballast housed low, center, and inside of buoyant material, comprising a hole in weight for dispensing and retracting port for lanyard, and   a carry handle assembly attached to external portion of buoyant material.   
   
   
       2 . A dive flag and buoy line dispenser apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said pull box assembly including a constant force spring for automatic and hands free control of said flexible lanyard dispensing, retracting, whereas said spring threshold torque level is acquired by diver descending or ascending in body of water, and as such, said spring compresses or expands causing said movement to engage attached spring spool, attached lanyard spool, and attached lanyard to dispense or retract lanyard accordingly, and, pull box housing to secure and allow precise, proper, auto-controlled movement of all said components, and
 said pull box may be mounted inside or outside of said buoyant material, and   said pull box includes dive flag pole receptacle for the purpose of inserting dive flag pole, and   said pull box may include holes for water intrusion to allow said assembly to be utilized external of buoy, under surface of body of water, and preferably directly below said buoy, and attached to buoy.   
   
   
       3 . A dive flag and buoy line dispenser apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said quick-connect and safety break-away assembly break-away from one another caused by safety break-away exceeding breaking strength and ripping, tearing, or separating, as would occur during boat versus lanyard snag, eliminating all associated hazards. 
   
   
       4 . A dive flag and buoy line dispenser apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said weight ballast is housed low, center, and inside of buoyant material, comprising a hole in weight for dispensing and retracting port for lanyard (which is housed above weight), and has smooth beveled edges so as not to snag the lanyard, and also to ease transport and storage due to integrated said weight, and
 said weight to comprise of Aluminum and Zinc are by far the most widely used in salt and brackish water; magnesium anodes are used exclusively in fresh water due to its lower conductivity.   
   
   
       5 . A dive flag and buoy line dispenser apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said carry handle assembly is secured to external portion of buoyant material to assist in transport. Said handle comprising of ability to recess and affix into or onto said buoy.