APPARATUS CONSTRAINABLE TO A DIVER FOR BUOYANCY CONTROL

Abstract

An apparatus constrainable to a diver, including a buoyancy control system for a diver including: a rigid means which identifies an operating zone; the operating zone being intended to receive a gas and an incompressible liquid; the zone being defined by a first chamber or by the sum of at least a first and a second chamber; a first means for introducing the incompressible fluid into the operating zone; a first means for introducing the gas into the operating zone; a pressurised tank of the gas, the first means for introducing the gas being operatively interposed between the tank and the operating zone; a means for evacuating a fluid from the operating zone, the fluid being the gas and/or the incompressible liquid.

Claims

1. An apparatus constrainable to a diver, comprising a buoyancy control system for a diver comprising: a rigid means which identifies an operating zone; said operating zone being intended to receive a gas and an incompressible liquid; said zone being defined by a first chamber or by the sum of at least a first and a second chamber; a first means for introducing the incompressible fluid into said operating zone; a first means for introducing the gas into said operating zone; a pressurised tank of said gas, said first means for introducing the gas being operatively interposed between the tank and the operating zone; a means for evacuating a fluid from the operating zone, said fluid being said gas and/or said incompressible liquid.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said rigid means comprises a casing defining said operating zone, said operating zone having a constant volume.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said casing extends between a first end zone and a second end zone; the first means for introducing the incompressible fluid being situated in the first end zone; and at least a part of the means for evacuating being situated in the second end zone to allow the discharge of gas from the operating space.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first chamber is in communication both with the first means for introducing the incompressible fluid and the first means for introducing the gas.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first chamber is in communication with the first means for introducing the incompressible fluid and said second chamber is in communication with the first means for introducing the gas.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first and said second chamber are at least in part defined by a deformable bellows which separates the first and the second chamber.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the evacuating means comprises: a first means for discharging the incompressible fluid from said operating zone; a first means for discharging the gas from said operating zone.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said first means for discharging the gas comprises a variable-resistance air discharge outlet.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it comprises a second means for introducing the gas into said operating zone, said second introducing means being activated as a function of the external ambient pressure.

10. An operating method of an apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: increasing the thrust downwards during a dive by introducing water via said first means for introducing the incompressible fluid and discharging gas from the operating zone via the evacuating means; increasing the thrust upwards during an underwater dive by introducing gas originating from said tank into the operating zone, via the first introducing means, while simultaneously discharging water from the operating zone via the evacuating means.

Description

[0012] FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5 respectively show a bottom, front, side, and top view of the solution in FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of FIG. 4;

[0014] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a second apparatus according to the present invention;

[0015] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a top and front view of the apparatus in FIG. 7;

[0016] FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 respectively show an exploded perspective view, a bottom view, a top view, a front perspective view, and a sectional view of a component of the apparatus in FIG. 7;

[0017] FIGS. 15, 16, 17, and 18 respectively show a perspective view, a bottom view, a side view, and a rear view of the apparatus according to the present invention;

[0018] FIGS. 19, 20, 21, and 22 respectively show two perspective views, a top view, and a bottom view of a further apparatus according to the present invention.

[0019] In the appended figures, the reference number 1 denotes an apparatus constrainable to a diver. Typically, the apparatus 1 can be worn by the diver. Typically, the apparatus 1 can be placed on the diver's shoulders. Conveniently, the apparatus 1 comprises supporting straps. Conveniently, the supporting straps allow the apparatus to be donned as if it were a backpack. Optionally, the apparatus could be constrained to one or more pressurised tanks 40 for containing the breathable mixture (gas).

[0020] The apparatus 1 comprises a buoyancy control system for a diver. The apparatus 1 comprises a rigid means 2 which defines an operating zone 20. In particular, the rigid means 2 defines the operating zone 20 within it. In fact, the rigid means 2 surrounds (and advantageously delimits) the operating zone 20. The operating zone 20 has a constant volume. Conveniently, the rigid means 2 is made of plastic material. The rigid means 2 is not compressible.

[0021] The operating zone 20 is intended to receive a gas and an incompressible liquid.

[0022] In the course of the present description, gas means a pure gas or a gas mixture. Typically, the gas is a breathable mixture. The incompressible liquid is usually water, typically water in which the diver is immersed.

[0023] The zone 20 is defined by a chamber or by the sum of a plurality of separate chambers. In particular, the zone 20 is defined by a first chamber 21 or by the sum of at least a first and a second chamber 21, 22. If there is only a first chamber 21 (see the solution in FIGS. 1-6, but this also applies for the one in FIGS. 19-22) the gas and the incompressible liquid are in direct reciprocal contact. If more than one chamber is present, they are advantageously two in number, a first chamber 21 for the incompressible fluid and a second chamber 22 for the gas (see the solution in FIGS. 7-14). The presence of at least a first and a second chamber 21, 22 makes it possible to minimise the shifting of the mass of incompressible fluid inside the zone 20 as a result of the inertia of the fluid which accompanies a movement of the diver. Therefore, this means greater comfort. In fact, the incompressible fluid is better constrained and retained.

[0024] The apparatus 1 comprises a first means 31 for introducing the incompressible fluid into at least a portion of said operating zone 20. The first means 31 comprises for example a valve, typically one-way. Conveniently, the first means 31 is activatable on command. In particular, it can be manually activated (for example by manually pulling on an actuator, which could be a cord or a strap). In a particular solution, the first means 31 could be activated by an actuator controlled by an electronic or pneumatic unit based on predetermined inputs provided by at least one sensor or based on an explicit signal provided by the diver.

[0025] The apparatus 1 comprises a first means 41 for introducing the gas into at least a portion of said operating zone 20. The first means 41 comprises/is typically a valve, advantageously a one-way valve. The first means 41 is activatable on command. In particular, it can be manually activated. Advantageously, the first means 41 and the first means 31 are distinct and separate elements. In the solution exemplified in the appended figures, the first means 41 and the first means 31 are at opposite ends of the rigid means 2. However, they could also be arranged side by side.

[0026] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 comprises a pressurised tank 40 of said gas. Conveniently, the tank 40 is the same one used to supply the breathable mixture to a breathing apparatus used by the diver. The tank 40 is separated from the rigid means 2. The tank 40 is typically a pressurised cylinder of the breathable mixture. The first means 41 for introducing the gas is operatively interposed between the tank 40 and the zone 20. The first means 41 thus enables the introduction of said gas (under pressure) into the tank 40. Conveniently, the first means 41 is manually activated by an operator.

[0027] Conveniently, the rigid means 2 comprises a rigid casing 200 defining said operating zone 20. Preferably, the operating zone 20 also has an invariable shape (and not only volume). The casing 200 surrounds and externally delimits the operating zone 20. The casing 200 could be cylindrical as in FIG. 1 or 7. Conveniently, it could have a more ergonomic shape, or one designed to limit bulkiness. For example, it could define a concavity into which the tank 40 is fitted. The casing 200 could thus embrace the tank 40. In particular, the casing 200 has a U-shaped cross section that defines a housing for the tank 40. This solution is exemplified in FIGS. 15-18. Conveniently, the casing 200 can embrace the tank 40, wrapping around it by 360 (see, for example, the solution in FIGS. 19-22).

[0028] Conveniently, the apparatus 1 comprises a means 9 for evacuating a fluid from the operating zone 20 (i.e. the means 9 is a means which enables the evacuation of a fluid from the operating zone). The means 9 comprises one or more valves, each of which, according to the embodiments and/or the operating modes, enables either only the evacuation of the incompressible fluid or only the evacuation of the gas or the evacuation of both the gas and the incompressible liquid. In particular, in the solution in FIGS. 7-14, the valves of the evacuating means 9 are advantageously intended to discharge a predetermined fluid. In the solution in FIGS. 1-6 or FIGS. 19-22, by contrast, a same valve of the evacuating means 9 can be intended to discharge the gas or the incompressible liquid according to the operating mode. The evacuating means 9 allows the outflow of the fluid from the operating zone without an explicit intervention of the user. It intervenes spontaneously. Typically, it intervenes when a given pressure difference between upstream and downstream of a corresponding valve (for example the discharge outlet 420 better defined below) is exceeded or to balance the pressure between upstream and downstream of a corresponding valve (for example the discharge outlet 91 or the discharge outlet 92 or the vent 44 better defined below).

[0029] In the solution exemplified in FIGS. 1-6, the means 9 for evacuating the fluid comprises a first discharge outlet 91 in fluid communication with the first chamber 21. It allows the outflow of the gas or incompressible fluid. Conveniently, the evacuating means 9 also comprises a second discharge outlet 92 in fluid communication with the first chamber 21. The second discharge outlet 92 likewise allows the outflow of the gas or incompressible fluid. As better explained below, if both the first and the second discharge outlets 91, 92 are present, they are spaced apart from each other (in particular in two opposite zones of the rigid means 2) to facilitate the outflow of gas (one or the other will intervene spontaneously depending on whether the diver has his or her head high or low). The first discharge outlet 91 or second discharge outlet 92 (if present) is conveniently a vent. The first discharge outlet 91 can comprise a valve activated by a pressure difference between the two environments it separates (the pressure difference enabling the activation of the valve is minimal and serves only to overcome the resistance of the valve). It intervenes spontaneously to balance a pressure difference. The same can be repeated for the second discharge outlet 92.

[0030] Conveniently, in the solution in FIGS. 1-6 or FIGS. 19-22, the apparatus 1 also comprises a second means 310 for introducing the incompressible fluid into the operating space 20. Typically, the second means 310 is situated at an opposite end of the rigid means 2 with respect to the first means 31. The second means 310 is manually activated. The second means 310 comprises a valve which leads into the operating space 20. The user intervenes manually in an explicit manner to activate the valve. Optionally, the apparatus 1 could also comprise an additional means 311 for introducing the incompressible fluid into the operating space. The additional means 311 is manually activated. The additional means 311 typically comprises a valve which leads into the operating space 20. The user intervenes manually in an explicit manner to activate the valve. Conveniently, the means 311 is situated side by side with the first means 31. It is typically used to speed up the inflow of water when the diver is in water (for example with his or her head above it) and still has to start the actual complete dive.

[0031] In the solution exemplified in FIGS. 7-14, the evacuating means 9 conveniently comprises a first means 32 for discharging the incompressible fluid from the first chamber 21. Optionally, the first means 32 for discharging the incompressible fluid can also define a means for discharging the gas. This takes place in an initial phase (preceding the actual dive), in which the first chamber 21 contains air that needs to be removed (in such a case, the first means 32 performs the same function as the vent 44). Typically, the first means 32 is a valve, advantageously a one-way valve. Conveniently, but not necessarily, the first means 32 allows the outflow of the fluid from the operating zone 20 without an explicit intervention of the user. It intervenes spontaneously. Typically, it is activated by a pressure difference between upstream and downstream.

[0032] Conveniently, the evacuating means 9 comprises a first means 42 for discharging the gas from said operating zone 20, in particular from said second chamber 22. Typically, the first means 42 is a valve, advantageously a one-way valve.

[0033] In a particular solution, the first means 42 for discharging the gas comprises a variable-resistance air discharge outlet 420. In this manner, the discharge outlet can offer a different resistance to the outflow of air. Thus, one can adjust the pressure difference necessary to cause the gas to flow out from the operating zone 20. For example, this adjustment can be done mechanically, in particular by acting on a ring nut surrounding the discharge outlet 420.

[0034] Conveniently, the apparatus 1 comprises a second means 43 for introducing the gas into said zone 20. Optionally, the second introducing means 43 is activated as a function of the external environmental pressure. For example, it can comprise a zone 430 sensitive to the external pressure (for example a deformable membrane) intended to act on an actuator (for example a lever) if the external environmental pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. In such a case, the actuator will bring about the opening of a valve which places the pressurised tank 40 (or another tank for storing a gas) in communication with the operating zone 20.

[0035] In a first embodiment (see FIG. 1-6 or 19-22), the first chamber 21 is in communication both with the first means 31 for introducing the incompressible fluid and with the first means 41 for introducing the gas. In particular, both the first means 31 for introducing the incompressible fluid and the first means 41 for introducing the gas lead into the first chamber 21. In such a case, the incompressible fluid and the gas are present in the first chamber 21 without any physical dividing elements. The second chamber 22 is absent. Conveniently, in this solution the first discharge outlet 91 and/or the second discharge outlet 92 and/or the second means 43 for introducing the gas are also in fluid communication with the first chamber 21.

[0036] In a second embodiment (see FIGS. 7-14), the first and the second chambers 21, 22 are present. The first chamber 21 is in communication with the first means 31 for introducing the incompressible fluid and said second chamber 22 is in communication with the first means 41 for introducing the gas. The first and second chambers 21, 22 are separated by a dividing means. In this case, the apparatus 1 conveniently comprises (or more specifically the means 9 for evacuating the fluid comprises) a vent 44 for venting gas from said first chamber 21. It allows the gas to be removed from the first chamber 21. This occurs, for example, in a preparatory phase before the actual dive (when the first chamber 21 is filled with water). During full operation (i.e. during a dive in depth), gas is absent from the first chamber 21 (again with reference to the solution in FIGS. 7-14). During full operation only the incompressible liquid is present in the first chamber 21. The incompressible liquid is absent, on the other hand, from the second chamber 22 (both in a preparatory phase before the dive and during full operation of the apparatus 1). Conveniently, the first and second chambers 21, 22 are coaxial. Conveniently, in this solution the first means 32 for discharging the incompressible fluid is also in fluid communication with the first chamber 21. The first means 42 for discharging the gas and/or the second means 43 for introducing the gas are in fluid communication with said second chamber 22.

[0037] For example, the first and second chambers 21, 22 are at least in part defined by a dividing means which separates the first and second chambers 21, 22. For example, the dividing means can comprise/be a deformable bellows 23. The bellows 23 can be compressed and expand. An expansion of the bellows brings about an increase in the volume of the second chamber 22 and a reduction in the volume of the first chamber 21. The bellows 23 externally delimits the second chamber 22. The bellows 23 internally delimits the first chamber 21. The bellows 23 conveniently expands and contracts along one direction. Typically, the bellows 23 is placed in the casing 200. Thus, the bellows 23 is part of the abovementioned dividing means. Conveniently, the first chamber 21 at least partially wraps around the second chamber 22 (in particular it surrounds it laterally; for example the chamber 22 is in the form of a ringnot necessarily circularor a cup).

[0038] In a further solution, not illustrated, the dividing means could comprise/be a partition that is movable inside the casing. For example, the partition is slidable, for example it can translate inside the casing 200. For example, the partition divides the casing 200 into two (thereby defining a first and a second chamber 21, 22). In particular, it can be a disk or a plate. In a particular unillustrated and non-preferred solution, the first and second chambers 21, 22 could also not be integrated into a same casing 200. For example, they could be two distinct chambers spaced apart from each other. In such a case, a double-acting piston extends inside the first and the second chamber 21, 22, connecting them operatively (conveniently, the piston comprises two plates, one per chamber, which contribute to delimiting them). In such a case, the first chamber 21, the second chamber 22, and the piston define rigid bodies, despite the piston being slidable with respect to the first and second chambers 21, 22.

[0039] As exemplified in the appended figures, the casing 200 extends between a first end zone 201 and a second end zone 202. The first means 31 for introducing the incompressible fluid is situated in the first end zone 201. The first means 42 for discharging the gas is instead situated in the second end zone 202. During a dive, if the diver is in a substantially upright position, this arrangement allows for a difference between the ambient pressure present immediately outside the casing 200 where the first means 31 for introducing the incompressible fluid and the first means 42 for discharging the gas are situated. In particular, the pressure will be greater at the first means 31 (being situated at a greater depth). This pressure difference facilitates the inflow of the incompressible liquid (the water in which the diver is immersed) into the casing 200. Conveniently, the first means 41 for introducing the gas is situated in the second end zone 202. Conveniently, the second means 43 for introducing the gas is situated in the second end zone 202.

[0040] With reference to the solution in FIGS. 7-14, the vent 44 for the gas is conveniently situated at least in the second end zone 202. Conveniently, the vent 44 comprises a valve. This valve is spontaneously activated without the need for manual intervention. The valve is activated by a pressure difference between the two environments it separates. The pressure difference enabling the activation of the valve is minimal. It thus allows for balancing the pressure between upstream and downstream.

[0041] Conveniently, the first means 32 for discharging the incompressible fluid is also situated in the first end zone 201.

[0042] With reference instead to the solution in FIGS. 1-6 or FIGS. 19-22, the first and second discharge outlets 91, 92 are located, respectively, in the first end zone 201 and the second end zone 202. In contrast, the second means 310 for introducing the incompressible liquid is advantageously situated in the second end zone 202. Any additional means 311 for introducing the incompressible liquid will be situated in the first end zone 201. It typically comprises a manually activatable valve in communication with the operating zone 20 (the first chamber 21in fact, in FIG. 1-6 or 19-22 the first chamber 21 coincides with the operating zone 20).

[0043] Advantageously, the second end zone 202 will be higher than the first end zone 201 if the apparatus 1 is worn by the diver and the latter is in an upright position with his or her head high.

[0044] Conveniently, the apparatus 1 comprises a rear portion 80 intended to be placed over (or in any case in contact with) the diver's back during use. The rear portion 80, as exemplified for example in FIG. 15-18 or 19-22, can define a backrest 800; the backrest 800 can be ergonomic (or at least in part ergonomic); in particular, it at least partly wraps around the user's back. Conveniently, the backrest 800 can also comprise a handle 801 which facilitates the movement of the apparatus 1 outside the water. With particular reference to the solution in FIG. 1-6 or 19-22, the first means 41 for introducing the gas conveniently has a distance from the rear portion 80 which is greater than the distance that exists between the rear portion 80 and the first discharge outlet 91 (and/or the second discharge outlet 92). In this manner, when the user is wearing the apparatus 1 on his or her shoulders and is positioned with his or her back facing upwards, the first means 41 will enable the inflow of the gas into the upper part of the operating space 20 (where the gas is present), while the incompressible fluid is evacuated through the first discharge outlet 91 below (where the incompressible liquid is present).

[0045] Conveniently, the second means 43 for introducing the gas and the second means 310 for introducing the incompressible fluid have a distance from said rear portion 80 which is greater than the distance existing between said rear portion 80 and the first discharge outlet 91.

[0046] The subject matter of the present invention also relates to an operating method of an apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 has one or more of the previously described features.

[0047] Reference is made by way of example to the solution in FIGS. 7-14. At the start of a dive, the operating zone 20 is full of gas (typically air). Once the diver is in water, in an upright position and wearing the apparatus 1, the method envisages opening the first means 31 for introducing the incompressible fluid (the water surrounding the diver). Consequently, a corresponding amount of air present in the operating zone 20 is evacuated via the air vent 44 (if both a first and a second chamber 21, 22 are present, all the air present in the first chamber 21 is removed). Filling is facilitated by the fact that the apparatus 1 is about 40 centimetres high, so the pressure present at the first means 31 is greater than the pressure at the vent 44. If, during the complete venting of air from the first chamber 21, the diver should have insufficient buoyancy, the method envisages adding gas through the first means 41.

[0048] Conveniently, when the diver has found the right proportion between incompressible fluid and gas in the operating zone 20, so that the diver's head still above the water surface (and the first chamber 21 is devoid of airin the solution wherein the first and second chambers 21, 22 are distinct), he or she can again open the first means 31, discharging air via the first means 42 for discharging the gas. Once completely immersed, with his or her head no longer pushing downwards, the diver adds gas through the first means 41. In this manner, he or she seeks neutral buoyancy. During this phase, the diver is conveniently positioned with a horizontal trim (to facilitate the discharge of water through the first means 32 for discharging the incompressible fluid).

[0049] In particular the method comprises the steps of: [0050] increasing the thrust downwards (or reducing the thrust upwards) during a dive by introducing water via said first means 31 for introducing the incompressible fluid and discharging gas from the operating zone 20; typically, the discharge of gas takes place through the first means 42; [0051] increasing the thrust upwards during a dive by introducing gas originating from said tank 40 into the operating zone 20 (via the first means 41 for introducing the gas) while simultaneously discharging water from the operating zone 20 (typically via the first discharging means 32); conveniently, this takes place with the diver in a horizontal position or with his or her head downwards (so that the incoming air does not exit directly from the first means 42 for discharging the gas, but rather pushes out the water).

[0052] During a descent, with an increase in ambient pressure, the zone 430 sensitive to the external pressure will activate the actuator, thus enabling the inflow of air (into the operating zone 20 or more precisely into the second chamber 22). In this manner, the lever of the second stage mechanism will be pressed, causing air to enter. In the absence of the valve 43, which injects gas as a function of an increase in ambient pressure, the diver must manually perform a pressure compensation. Otherwise, a collapse of the casing may occur, given that the water remains at a constant volume and thus without a further inflow of air a negative pressure will form inside 20 (pressure difference between the outside and inside of the casing).

[0053] During an ascent, as the external pressure decreases, there will be an excess of pressure in the second chamber 22. The gas will thus be removed through the first means 42. Even if the discharge outlet 420 is at minimum resistance, the gas cannot exit in excess, given that the incompressible fluid inside the operating zone 20 cannot expand.

[0054] The apparatus 1 thus automatically maintains the proportions between the volume of incompressible fluid (water) and of gas (air). This notwithstanding any compression of the wetsuit.

[0055] In the solution in FIG. 1-6 or 19-22 the functioning is analogous, but for the evacuation of the gas and of the incompressible fluid the apparatus 1 will rely on the first and/or second discharge outlets 91, 92, depending on how it is oriented (head up, down, or horizontal). In fact, the gas will tend to rise higher than the incompressible fluid.

[0056] In particular, the inflow of water is made to take place by activating the manual valve of the first means 31 for introducing the incompressible liquid. This brings about a spontaneous outflow of the gas through the discharge outlet 91 or 92 (the one positioned higher, which can thus draw from the volume of gas present). Consequently, the upwards thrust is reduced.

[0057] On the other hand, the inflow of gas is made to take place by activating the means 41 and/or 43 for introducing the gas. This brings about a spontaneous outflow of the incompressible liquid through the discharge outlet 91 or 92. This takes place with the diver positioned substantially horizontally. In this position, assuming that the apparatus is positioned on the diver's back and that his or her back is facing upwards, the first means 41 is advantageously higher than the discharge outlet 91, 92 and allows the introduction of gas into the upper part, whilst the discharge outlet 91, 92 draws directly from the underlying liquid (it is again noted that the liquid will settle lower than the gas inside the operating zone 20).

[0058] The present invention achieves important advantages. In particular, it aims to eliminate the effect of the variation in the volume of the BCD on buoyancy. This is obtained by means of a constant volume system. Once the correct buoyancy has been reached just under the surface of the water, no intervention will be required of the diver throughout the whole dive except for a moderate introduction of water to compensate for the decrease in breathable gas or an introduction of gas to compensate for any compression of the neoprene wetsuit. In the absence of 43, the diver must act manually on the inflow of gas, but from the moment of rising from the deepest point, he or she will no longer need to intervene. Moreover, the system prevents fast ascents (the cause of 90% of scuba diving accidents) and the possibility of the diver descending at dangerous speeds. At the same time, the invention aims to enable the buoyance of the diver to be controlled quickly. The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept that characterises it. Moreover, all the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. All the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may in practice be any whatsoever according to needs.