Scuba diving trim and position control device and method of use

Abstract

A trim and position control device and method comprising a generally ring-shaped, continuous and unbroken weight formed with a central elongated opening therethrough. The opening is preferably shaped like an elliptical diamond and enables placement of the weight over a pillar valve and pillar valve rotatable pressure control handle onto the top surface of a diving tank. The bottom surface of the weight is preferably concave to promote proper nesting upon the top surface of the diving tank. The weight is secured in place by the connection of a primary stage regulator to the pillar valve of the diving tank, wherein the primary stage regulator is connected to a buoyancy compensator device and second stage regulator. This prevents the weight from being inadvertently detached. The weight enables a diver to maintain desired trim and position in conjunction with the inflation of the buoyancy compensator device.

1 . A method of using a weight to control proper trim and position while SCUBA diving, comprising the steps of:
 a) placing said weight over a pillar valve of a diving tank, wherein said weight is continuous and unbroken with an opening therethrough;   b) bringing said weight to rest onto a top surface of said diving tank;   c) fastening a primary stage regulator to said pillar valve of said diving tank, wherein said primary stage regulator is connected to a buoyancy compensator device and a second stage breathing regulator, wherein said weight is trapped between said top surface of said diving tank and said primary stage regulator; and   d) inflating said buoyancy compensator device with an appropriate amount of air so as to achieve a desired amount of horizontal or vertical diver trim and position.   
     
     
         2 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said opening through said weight is centrally located and elongated in shape. 
     
     
         3 . A method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said opening is generally an elliptical diamond in shape and has a short axis and a long axis that intersect at the center of said opening. 
     
     
         4 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said weight has a flat top surface and a bottom concave surface. 
     
     
         5 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said weight has a protective frictional coating. 
     
     
         6 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of rotating said weight 90 degrees after bringing said weight to rest on said top surface of said diving tank, thereby securing said weight beneath a rotatable handle of said pillar valve. 
     
     
         7 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein an external perimeter of said weight is circular in shape. 
     
     
         8 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein an external perimeter of said weight is elliptical in shape. 
     
     
         9 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein an external perimeter of said weight is polygonal in shape. 
     
     
         10 . A device for use on a SCUBA diving tank to promote proper trim and position control while diving, comprising a ring-shaped weighted member that is continuous and unbroken, wherein said weighted member has an opening therethrough for placement of said weighted member over a pillar valve of a diving tank and onto a top surface of the diving tank, wherein a bottom surface of said weighted member is concave to conform to the top surface of the diving tank. 
     
     
         11 . The device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said opening through said weighted member is centrally located and elongated in shape. 
     
     
         12 . The device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said opening through said weighted member is generally an elliptical diamond in shape and has a short axis and a long axis that intersect at the center of said opening, wherein said long axis of said opening promotes placement of said weight over the pillar valve and said short axis of said opening promotes securing said weighted member under said pillar valve. 
     
     
         13 . The device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the surface of said weighted member is coated with a protective frictional coating. 
     
     
         14 . The device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein an external perimeter of said weighted member is circular. 
     
     
         15 . The device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein an external perimeter of said weighted member is polygonal. 
     
     
         16 . The device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein an external perimeter of said weighted member is elliptical.