Equipment Ideas - Fun/funny

[MontyPython]

Hi all

I have started this thread (mostly in jest) as I’m continually thinking up things that might be used in ‘creative’ ways in everyday live. Now that I found SCUBA, I have a new playground so too speak.

I invite you all to post some of your funny, yet maybe practical SCUBA equipment ideas over here.

WARNING: in doing so, the idea you post might actually be “stolen” to be used for real, and you might not get any credit for this. If you feel it is a working idea – get it patented and sell it to a manufacturer. Posting ideas here puts it out on the open forum and no claim can be made for ownership.

WARNING: this thread is for FUN / FUNNY stuff, NO attempt should be made to use and or build any of the IDEAS posted here. Ideas posted here might not be safe and might be posted in jest an intended as a joke.

Nothing here should be taken seriously. – Serious ideas might spring forth out of this so we might begin a nice think-tank over here.

 

[MontyPython]

I did not search the forums for any similar ideas on this and as a matter of fact, I do not even know if the below mentioned Idea exist for real, so I plead ignorance on this one.

I am really scared of buying a Weight integrated BC, as the cost of loosing a weight pocket when ditching is quite a bit. So here is my idea for weight retrieval.

How about airbag technology built into weight pockets, you pull the pin, once the pocket is free, a bag inflates and the weights become positive buoyant. Once you get to the surface you have your weights back.

Positives: - You have your weights back.
- You have an extra buoyant item to hold on to on the surface.
MEGA PLUS: these inflated bags can double as a SMB – Alerting people on the surface that diver is having trouble down below.

Negatives:
- pre-ignition problems.
- possible size of air-charge to inflate bag
- bag weight limit

Thanks for you time, and Dive Safe!!

 

[Shiprekd]

I posted this in another thread and was invited to re-post here (although I did add an extra tidbit):

Maybe we could con the manufacturers into making W.R.S.'s (Weight Retrieval Systems) You know, an integrated spool of about 100yards of 60lb test fishing line...lol - you get on the boat and poof, you reel them in.

I would hate though to pull the pin and they drop over a reef shelf..LOL

The real trick would be, on how to get that wrist mount to figure in the NRL (No Reteival Limit). Besides that, you would have to figure on the depth, and 7 times the length of your body if you wanted the WRS to act as an anchor so you don't float further away in the current.

For those that might take that serious (and there are some that might) I am KIDDING!

 

[MontyPython]

I posted this in another thread and was invited to re-post here (although I did add an extra tidbit):

The real trick would be, on how to get that wrist mount to figure in the NRL (No Reteival Limit). Besides that, you would have to figure on the depth, and 7 times the length of your body if you wanted the WRS to act as an anchor so you don't float further away in the current.

For those that might take that serious (and there are some that might) I am KIDDING!

See there you go again… the P.A.D. Or Personal Anchoring Device.

Safety device will include anchor line not actually being attached to diver or equipment but held in hand. This will stop diver from being pulled under if water depth exceeds line length.

Once safely on boat – reel the weights in.

 

[Goose75]

I'm an engineer always dreaming up new ideas, so your thread got my attention.

Your idea about a balloon weight retrieval is definately doable, the question is whether people would buy it. I don't know there is much demand for it. It would need to be usuable with existing systems. The hurdles you have to face are:
1) entanglement
2) weight variation
3) pre-ignition
4) How often to people ditch their weights? I've done it once, and never seen it otherwise.

Perhaps a better approach is to keep the system simple, cheap and universal to make it appealing. Instead of floating the weights up, inflate a marker on release. You are pulling cord, so you can pull a catch on a small canister at the same time. It won't help you in deep water, but it makes them easy to find in recreational depths.

Serious suggestion or in jest, I can't help but think through it! It the engineer's curse.