FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention concerns a safety device for a diver that can be worn by the
diver without hindering his/her movement. This safety device can be driven automatically
during the dive when the diver faints.
[0002] The present invention also concerns a safety apparatus comprising the safety device
which can be used to bring back a diver to the surface and keep him/her there in the
event the diver faints and/or experiences a syncope.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Some sports or other activities, such as underwater fishing, provide that a diver
dives in water in apnea, that is, without the aid of gas cylinders or other apparatuses
for assisted breathing.
[0004] It is also known that the diver can experience health problems or sudden illnesses
during the dive. For example, in proximity to the surface, in particular at a distance
of about 1m - 2m from the surface, the diver can experience a sudden drop in the partial
pressure of oxygen in the blood, due to the combined effect of a prolonged apnea and
the decrease in hydrostatic pressure. This drop in the partial pressure of oxygen
in the blood can cause the diver to experience a syncope, a sudden illness or fainting
beneath the surface.
[0005] In these cases, the natural buoyancy of the human body is often not sufficient to
bring back the diver to the surface and keep him/her there, with the consequent risk
of drowning.
[0006] This is even more evident if the diver wears ballast equipment or weights that reduce
or cancel the buoyancy of the human body.
[0007] There are safety apparatuses, which can be worn by a diver, comprising a gas cylinder
of compressed gas, a lifebelt and an electronic safety device, for example provided
with timers and/or pressure sensors.
[0008] These safety apparatuses are configured to activate the delivery of a gas fluid from
the gas cylinder to the lifebelt in order to inflate the latter after a predetermined
immersion time and/or when a predetermined pressure value is exceeded.
[0009] One example of a security apparatus provided with this electronic safety device is
described in
WO-A-2007/038794.
[0010] One disadvantage of these safety devices is that due to the electronic components
included therein they are complex and not very reliable, since there is a high risk
of damage to the electronics in the event of water infiltration.
[0011] A further disadvantage is that these safety apparatuses have a high cost.
[0012] Safety apparatuses are also known provided with a gas cylinder of compressed gas,
a lifebelt and a safety device of the mechanical type.
[0013] These safety devices of the mechanical type, described for example in patent applications
GR-B-1.006.799 and
WO-A-2000/000384, provide a holding element which has to be held by a diver's hand. These safety devices
provide an actuation element configured to drive the delivery of gas from a gas cylinder
of compressed gas to a lifebelt which can be worn by the diver when a holding action
on the holding element stops.
[0014] In particular, in case of fainting, the diver unintentionally releases his/her hand
from the holding element.
[0015] One disadvantage of these known safety devices of the mechanical type is that they
prevent the diver from using both hands.
[0016] Another disadvantage is that these safety devices are very heavy and cumbersome,
and hinder the diver's movement, both in the water and also above the surface.
[0017] Furthermore, these devices prevent the correct movement of the diver under water.
[0018] There is therefore the need to provide a safety device for a diver and a safety apparatus
comprising such a device which overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state
of the art.
[0019] One purpose of the present invention is to provide a safety device which allows a
diver to use both hands freely.
[0020] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a safety device that allows
the correct movement of the diver both under water and above the surface.
[0021] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a safety device which is light
and not cumbersome.
[0022] A further purpose is to provide a safety apparatus comprising this safety device
which is simple and inexpensive to make.
[0023] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome
the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and
advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The
dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the
main inventive idea.
[0025] In accordance with the above purposes, a safety device for a diver in accordance
with the present invention comprises a holding element, which can be held by the diver,
and an actuation element configured to drive the supply of gas from a gas cylinder
of compressed gas to a lifebelt which can be worn by the diver.
[0026] According to the present invention, the safety device also comprises a mechanism
to activate the actuation element, connected to the holding element by means of a
connection element in order to activate the actuation element when a holding action
on the holding element stops.
[0027] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the activation mechanism
also comprises a tensioning mechanism, connected to the holding element by means of
a connection element in order to exert a traction force on the holding element.
[0028] The tensioning mechanism is configured to drive the actuation element when a holding
action on the holding element stops.
[0029] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the holding element is configured
to be held, during use, in the mouth of a diver.
[0030] In this way, during normal use, the diver holds the holding element in his/her mouth,
also exerting a holding action on the traction force that is exerted by the tensioning
mechanism.
[0031] If the diver loses his senses, for example in the event of a syncope, fainting or
sudden illness, the holding action by the diver stops and the tensioning mechanism
is activated to recall the holding element and activate the actuation element in order
to activate the delivery of compressed gas.
[0032] According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the activation mechanism
comprises another actuation element, for example configured as an electric motor,
which is connected to the holding element by means of a connection element, or cable,
and is configured to be activated when a holding action on the holding element stops,
and in turn to activate the actuation element.
[0033] Also in this embodiment it is provided that the holding element is configured to
be held, during use, in the mouth of a diver.
[0034] Unlike the embodiments described above, in this case the holding element is configured
as a switch able to assume two different conditions (on-off) in order to selectively
activate the electric power supply circuit of the other actuation element.
[0035] In a similar way to what described above, during normal use the diver keeps the holding
element in his/her mouth, keeping it pressed in its "off' condition and the other
actuation element is not powered. If the diver loses his/her senses, for example in
the event of a syncope, fainting or sudden illness, the holding action by the diver
stops and the holding element moves into its "on" condition. This causes the other
actuation element to be powered in order to activate the actuation element.
[0036] Since, during use, the holding element is held with the mouth, the diver can use
both hands freely, unlike known solutions.
[0037] Advantageously, moreover, the safety device thus made can be at least partially contained
in a casing that has very small sizes, weight and costs.
[0038] Furthermore, this safety device allows the correct movement of the diver both underwater
and also above the surface.
[0039] Embodiments of the present invention also concern a safety apparatus comprising a
safety device as described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from
the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example
with reference to the attached drawings wherein:
- fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a safety apparatus for a diver comprising
a safety device in accordance with the present invention;
- fig. 2 shows an enlargement of the safety device of fig. 1 in a first operative condition;
- fig. 3 shows the safety device of fig. 2 in a second operative condition;
- fig. 4 shows a variant of the safety device of fig. 1 in a first operative condition;
- fig. 5 shows the safety device of fig. 4 in a second operative condition;
- fig. 6 shows a front view of a tool for resetting the safety device of fig. 1;
- fig. 7 shows a view from below of the reset tool of fig. 6;
- fig. 8 shows a front view of the safety device of fig. 3 in combination with the reset
tool of fig. 6;
- fig. 9 shows a front view of a further variant of the safety device of fig. 1 in a
first operative condition;
- fig. 10 shows a front view of the further variant of the safety device of fig. 9 in
a second operative condition;
- fig. 11 shows a front view of the further variant of the safety device of fig. 9 in
a third operative condition;
- fig. 12 shows a front view of the further variant of the safety device of fig. 9 in
a fourth operative condition;
- figs. 13 and 14 show schematic front views of another embodiment of the safety device
according to the present invention, in which the safety device is shown in two different
operative conditions;
- fig. 13b shows an enlarged detail of figs. 13 and 14, in which a variant embodiment
of the safety device is shown.
[0041] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible,
to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements
and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other
embodiments without further clarifications.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0042] Embodiments described here with reference to fig. 1 describe a safety apparatus for
a diver, indicated as a whole with reference number 10.
[0043] According to the present invention, the safety apparatus 10 comprises a safety device
11 as described below, a gas cylinder of compressed gas 13 connected to the safety
device 11 and a lifebelt 14 which can be worn by the diver and is connected to the
gas cylinder 13.
[0044] According to possible embodiments, the gas cylinder 13 can contain air, oxygen, carbon
dioxide, nitrogen or other gases or gas mixtures suitable to inflate the lifebelt
14.
[0045] According to possible embodiments, the gas cylinder 13 can be connected to the lifebelt
14 by means of a pipe 15.
[0046] According to possible embodiments, the lifebelt 14 can be a jacket, a band, a belt,
a vest, a pneumatic rescue collar or suchlike, of a type known in the state of the
art.
[0047] The lifebelt 14 is configured so that, when inflated, it returns the diver to the
surface and keeps him/her there, in particular with the face above the surface.
[0048] Advantageously, the lifebelt 14 can be configured to keep the diver's face above
the surface and facing in the opposite direction to the surface.
[0049] In accordance with the present invention, the safety device 11 comprises a holding
element 12 which can be held by the diver, an actuation element 18 and a tensioning
mechanism 16 configured to drive the delivery of gas from the gas cylinder of compressed
gas 13 to the lifebelt 14.
[0050] Moreover, the tensioning mechanism 16 is connected to the holding element 12 by means
of a connection element 17, advantageously flexible. For example, the connection element
17 can be a wire, a rope, a chain or similar or comparable elements.
[0051] According to possible embodiments, the safety device 11 can advantageously be positioned
in proximity to the diver's mouth, so as to reduce the length of the connection element
17.
[0052] According to possible embodiments, the actuation element 18 and the tensioning mechanism
16 can be contained inside a casing 50.
[0053] The casing 50 can be configured to prevent the components of the safety device 11
from coming into contact with the water.
[0054] According to possible embodiments, the casing 50 can be advantageously compact so
as not to obstruct the diver, both above the surface and in the water.
[0055] According to possible embodiments, the casing 50 can advantageously have an ergonomic
shape, so as not to hinder the correct movement of the diver.
[0056] In accordance with these embodiments, the holding element 12 is outside the casing
50, and the casing 50 comprises a first aperture 51 to allow the passage of the connection
element 17.
[0057] In accordance with these embodiments, the casing 50 can be provided with a second
aperture 52 to allow the connection of the gas cylinder of compressed gas 13.
[0058] According to possible embodiments, the gas cylinder of compressed gas 13 can be connected
to the second aperture 52 of the casing 50 by means of a threaded connection.
[0059] According to possible embodiments, the safety device 11 can be located, during use,
on the diver's chest, as shown by way of example only in fig. 1. Alternatively, the
safety device 11 can be located, during use, on the diver's back, for example in proximity
to the nape or behind the diver's head.
[0060] According to possible embodiments, the safety device 11 can have a low weight, for
example comprised between 200g and 500g.
[0061] According to possible embodiments, the safety device 11 can comprise a protective
sheath 27 configured to at least partially cover the connection element 17 outside
the casing 50 and prevent direct contact and a possible rubbing of the connection
element 17 with the diver.
[0062] According to possible embodiments, the protective sheath 27 can be connected to the
casing 50 in correspondence with the first aperture 51.
[0063] The protective sheath 27 can be configured as a guide for the sliding of the connection
element 17. In particular, the protective sheath 27 can be configured to support and
direct the connection element 17. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the protective
sheath 27 can be made to pass behind the diver's ear in order to prevent a movement
of the diver's head hindering the correct functioning of the safety device 11.
[0064] In accordance with these embodiments, the protective sheath 27 can be sufficiently
rigid to allow the connection element 17 to exit from the diver's mouth in a substantially
frontal direction, advantageously perpendicularly to the mouth.
[0065] These embodiments allow the diver to hold the holding element 12 by exerting a traction
force with a direction that is comfortable for the diver.
[0066] According to possible embodiments, the safety device 11 can comprise a gasket 28,
for example an O-ring, so as to prevent water from entering inside the protective
sheath 27 and/or the casing 50. For example, as shown in figs. 2-5 and 8-12, the gasket
28 can be located at one end of the protective sheath 27 opposite the first aperture
51.
[0067] According to the present invention, the tensioning mechanism 16 is configured to
exert a traction force on the holding element 12 through the connection element 17.
[0068] According to one aspect of the present invention, the holding element 12 is configured
to be held, during use, inside the mouth of a diver.
[0069] In particular, the holding element 12 can be located in the gap between the diver's
teeth and lips and held by the muscles of the lips, for example by the orbicular muscle.
[0070] For example, the holding element 12 can be held by the diver with a traction force
of 1.5N.
[0071] Alternatively or additionally, the holding element 12 can be held in the gap between
the diver's teeth and lips by a difference in pressure inside the diver's mouth.
[0072] In accordance with these embodiments, the holding element 12 can be advantageously
conformed so as to adapt to the gap between diver's teeth and lips.
[0073] According to possible embodiments, the holding element 12 can have the shape of a
button.
[0074] In particular, the holding element 12 can have a thickness comprised between 1mm
and 5mm.
[0075] According to possible embodiments, the holding element 12 can be held by the diver
with his/her teeth.
[0076] According to this possible embodiment, the holding element 12 can be bitten by the
diver.
[0077] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the tensioning mechanism
16 is configured to drive the actuation element 18 when the holding action on the
holding element 12 stops.
[0078] According to possible embodiments, the tensioning mechanism 16 can comprise a pulley
19, rotatable around an axis of rotation X and around which the connection element
17 is wound, a rack 20 associated with the pulley 19 and the actuation element 18,
and a transmission system 21, for example one or more toothed wheels.
[0079] The transmission system 21 is configured to transform the rotation of the pulley
19 around the axis of rotation X into a displacement of the rack 20 in a first direction
Y, orthogonal to the axis of rotation X.
[0080] In accordance with possible embodiments, the actuation element 18 can be associated
with a spring 22.
[0081] In a first operative condition, shown in fig. 2, the spring 22 is compressed in a
second direction Z, orthogonal to the axis of rotation X and to the first direction
Y.
[0082] The spring 22 tends to relax and in this way exerts a thrust on the actuation element
18 in the second direction Z.
[0083] The actuation element 18 can comprise a seating 23 for the insertion of one end of
the rack 20.
[0084] In particular, the seating 23 is provided with a surface inclined by an angle α (see
fig. 2).
[0085] According to possible embodiments, the angle α can be comprised between 10° and 80°
with respect to the first direction Y, advantageously between 15° and 75°. According
to possible embodiments, the end of the rack 20 is provided with a surface with an
inclination corresponding to the angle α in order to be inserted inside the seating
23.
[0086] The inclination of the seating 23 and of the end of the rack 20 allows to transmit
the force exerted by the spring 22 to the rack 20 in the first direction Y.
[0087] The rack 20 transmits the force to the pulley 19 by means of the transmission system
21, and the pulley 19 tends to rotate around the axis of rotation X in the first direction
of rotation R1 indicated in fig. 3.
[0088] The holding of the holding element 12 by the diver prevents the connection element
17 from winding around the pulley 19 and, consequently, the rack 20 from moving away
from the seating 23 (fig. 2).
[0089] When a holding action on the holding element 12 stops, the rack 20 moves away from
the seating 23 in the first direction Y, allowing the spring 22 to relax. Therefore,
the tensioning mechanism 16 can drive the actuation element 18 (fig. 3).
[0090] The actuation element 18 can therefore cooperate with the gas cylinder of compressed
gas 13 and allow the delivery of gas through the pipe 15.
[0091] According to a possible embodiment, the gas cylinder of compressed gas 13 can provide
a button to deliver gas to the lifebelt 14, and the actuation element 18 is configured
to cooperate with this button and activate the safety device 11.
[0092] According to a possible embodiment, shown in fig. 2, the gas cylinder 13 can comprise
a membrane 24, and the actuation element 18 can comprise a perforation element 25
configured to perforate the membrane 24.
[0093] In accordance with this embodiment, the perforation element 25 can exert a force
on the membrane 24 equal to or greater than 260 N.
[0094] In accordance with this embodiment, in the second operative condition the actuation
element 18 can abut against the gas cylinder 13 - see fig. 3 - in order to prevent
the gas contained in the gas cylinder of compressed gas 13 from entering inside the
safety device 11.
[0095] Once inflated, the lifebelt 14 provides a buoyancy such as to bring the diver back
to the surface and keep him/her there, even if the diver is wearing ballast equipment
or weights.
[0096] According to a first variant embodiment, shown in figs. 4 and 5, the pulley 19 can
comprise a torsion spring 27 configured to oppose the rotation of the pulley 19.
[0097] In accordance with this variant, the transmission system 21 can comprise a first
gear 28, associated with the pulley 19, and a second gear 29, associated with the
rack 20.
[0098] In particular, the second gear 29 can be provided with an obstacle element 30 configured
to abut against another obstacle element 31 of the rack 20.
[0099] In the second operative condition, shown in fig. 5, the rotation of the pulley 19
around the axis of rotation X moves the first gear 28 in the first direction of rotation
R1. The rotation of the first gear 28 determines the rotation of the second gear 29
and the consequent movement of the obstacle element 30 against the other obstacle
element 31, causing a displacement of the rack 20 from the seating 23 in the first
direction Y and the activation of the actuation element 18.
[0100] In accordance with these embodiments, the rack 20 can comprise a compression spring
32 able to oppose the movement of the rack 20 in the first direction Y.
[0101] According to possible embodiments, the safety device 11 can comprise a stop device
26, configured to hold the connection element 17.
[0102] According to possible embodiments, the stop device 26 can be positioned on the protective
sheath 27, for example in the proximity of one end of the protective sheath 27.
[0103] By activating the stop device 26 the diver can therefore release the holding element
12 without driving the safety device 11, allowing him/her, for example, to easily
put on and/or remove the safety device 11.
[0104] In accordance with this embodiment, the diver can bring the safety device 11 back
in operative condition by holding the holding element 12 inside his/her mouth and
deactivating the stop device 26.
[0105] According to possible embodiments, the safety apparatus 10 can be reused following
the activation of the safety device 11.
[0106] In particular, the gas cylinder of compressed gas 13 can be disconnected from the
safety device 11 in order to allow its replacement and/or resetting.
[0107] According to possible embodiments, the lifebelt 14 can be deflated and reset.
[0108] Alternatively or additionally, the lifebelt 14 can be replaced.
[0109] According to possible embodiments, the actuation element 18 can be returned to the
first operative condition using a reset tool 33, as shown by way of example only in
figs. 6 and 7.
[0110] This reset tool 33 has a handle 34 and a rod 35 with a linear development. The rod
35 is provided with an abutment end 36 opposite the handle 34.
[0111] As shown in fig. 8, the diver can insert the rod 35 of the reset tool 33 into the
second aperture 52 of the casing 50 and push the abutment end 36 into contact with
the actuation element 18 in the direction Z, so as to bring the actuation element
18 back into the first operative condition.
[0112] Advantageously, the rod 35 can be hollow in order to allow the insertion of the perforation
element 25 inside it, allowing a better grip of the reset tool 33.
[0113] Subsequently, the diver can move the tensioning mechanism 16 by pulling the holding
element 12 in the direction Y indicated in fig. 8. In this way, the pulley 19 rotates
in the second direction of rotation R2, opposite the first direction of rotation R1,
and the rack 20 can be repositioned in the seating 23, resetting the safety device
11.
[0114] According to a further variant, shown by way of example only in figs. 9-12, the safety
device 11 can comprise a containing body 37, selectively removable from the casing
50 of the safety device 11 in order to allow access to a compartment 38 in which the
spring 22 is at least partially contained.
[0115] According to possible embodiments, the containing body 37 can be associated with
the safety device 11 by means of a threaded connection 39.
[0116] According to possible embodiments, the containing body 37 comprises an abutment wall
40 against which the spring 22, in the first operative configuration, exerts a traction
force.
[0117] With reference to figs. 9 and 10, the safety device 11 functions substantially as
described with reference to figs. 2 and 3. It should be noted that the spring 22 is
constrained to the actuation element 18 but is not constrained to the abutment wall
40 of the containing body 37.
[0118] Following the activation of the safety device 11, shown in fig. 10, the gas cylinder
of compressed gas 13 can be removed and the containing body 37 can be separated from
the casing 50.
[0119] In this way, as shown in fig. 11, a diver can pull the spring 22 in the second direction
Z through the compartment 38.
[0120] Advantageously, the spring 22 can comprise a gripping portion 41 to facilitate the
movement by the diver.
[0121] By moving the spring 22, the diver can therefore return the seating 23 of the actuation
element 18 in correspondence with the rack 20.
[0122] In a similar way as described above with reference to fig. 8, the diver can move
the tensioning mechanism 16 by pulling the holding element 12 in the direction Y indicated
in fig. 11. In this way, the pulley 19 rotates in the second direction of rotation
R2, opposite the first direction of rotation R1, and the rack 20 can be repositioned
in the seating 23.
[0123] Once the rack 20 is repositioned in the seating 23, as indicated in fig. 12, the
diver can again connect the gas cylinder of compressed gas 13 to the safety device
11 and compress the spring 22, repositioning the containing body 37 on the casing
50, so as to bring the safety device 11 back into the first operative condition as
shown in fig. 9.
[0124] In particular, if the containing body 37 is connected to the casing 50 by means of
the threaded connection 39, the diver can screw the containing body 37 with respect
to the casing 50 in order to compress the spring 22.
[0125] With reference to figs. 13 and 14, another variant embodiment is shown of the safety
device 11 comprised in the safety apparatus 10. The components of the safety device
comprised in this variant which are analogous to those comprised in other embodiments
previously described will be indicated with the same reference numbers.
[0126] The safety device 11 comprises an electric motor 60 on which a toothed wheel 61 is
keyed. The electric motor 60 can be powered by a battery 62.
[0127] According to embodiments provided here, in accordance with solutions known in the
state of the art, the battery 62 can be of the rechargeable type, or it can be disposed
in a dedicated external compartment (not shown) of the casing 50, which can if necessary
be opened by the user in order to carry out the replacement of the exhausted battery
62.
[0128] The safety device 11 comprises a primary switch 63 associated with the casing 50
in a position easily accessible to the diver.
[0129] Electric cables 64 are provided which electrically connect the electric motor 60,
the battery 62, the primary switch 63 and the holding element 12 to form an electric
circuit. The primary switch 63 is configured to selectively exclude the connection
between the holding element 12 and the other actuation element, or electric motor
60, while the holding element 12 acts as a button to activate the circuit, as will
be explained in greater detail below. In this way, the primary switch 63 can keep
the safety device 11 deactivated, so that it is not accidentally activated, for example
when the lifebelt is not in use or while it is being put on or removed by the diver.
[0130] It is understood that the electric cable(s) that connect the holding element 12 to
the other elements listed above will pass through the casing 50 in correspondence
with an aperture, not shown in the schematic views of figs. 13 and 14.
[0131] The electric cables 64 define as a whole a connection element between the holding
element 12 and the electric motor 60, in a manner entirely similar to the element
indicated with reference number 17 in the embodiments described above.
[0132] The safety device 11 comprises a rack 20 which is engaged by the toothed wheel 61.
Driving the electric motor 60 determines the rotation of the toothed wheel 61 and
the consequent linear movement in the first direction Y1 (see the corresponding arrow
in fig. 13).
[0133] The safety device 11 comprises a first clamping member 65 and a second clamping member
66 mobile between a resting configuration (fig. 13), in which they keep the actuation
element 18 clamped, and a rotated configuration (fig. 14) in which, instead, they
allow the movement of the actuation element 18. The rotation of at least one of the
clamping members, in particular of the second clamping member 66, is determined by
the movement of the rack 20. Each clamping member is pivoted to the casing 50 in correspondence
with a respective fulcrum 65A, 66A.
[0134] During use, the holding element 12 is held in the mouth of the diver who, by biting
it, keeps it in a first condition I, shown in fig. 13, in which the electric circuit
is open and therefore the electric motor 60 is not powered. This first condition I
is therefore an "off' condition in which the safety device 11 is not activated.
[0135] If the diver loses his/her senses, for example in the event of a syncope, fainting
or sudden illness, the holding action by the diver stops and the diver no longer holds
the holding element 12 in his/her mouth. Consequently, the holding element 12 moves
into a second condition O, shown in fig. 14, in which the electric circuit is closed
and therefore the electric motor 60 is powered. This second condition O is therefore
an "on" condition in which the safety device 11 is active.
[0136] In this condition, the electric motor 60 rotates the toothed wheel 61, for example
in a clockwise direction as shown by the arrow F in fig. 14, which determines the
translation of the rack 20 in the direction Y1 (toward the right in the drawing).
In doing so, the rack 20 triggers the rotation of the second clamping member 66 around
its fulcrum 66A, which causes the consequent un-clamping of the first clamping member
65, which was kept clamped by the second clamping member 66, as can easily be seen
from the geometries of these members, visible in fig. 13. The rotation of the first
clamping member 65 causes a pin 23' of the actuation element 18, having a function
equivalent to that of the seating 23, to no longer be kept clamped. Consequently,
the actuation element 18 is driven in movement by the spring 22 so that the perforation
element 25 perforates the membrane 24 so that the compressed gas contained in the
gas cylinder 13 can flow out toward the lifebelt so as to inflate it.
[0137] Also in this variant embodiment the safety apparatus 10 can be reused following the
activation of the safety device 11, it being possible to bring it back from the condition
shown in fig. 14 to that shown in fig. 13 in the manner described below.
[0138] First of all, by unscrewing the containing body 37, it is possible to translate the
spring 22 in a direction Y2 (toward the left in fig. 14), opposite the direction Y1,
so as to bring the actuation element 18 back into the retracted position of fig. 13.
In fact, thanks to the unscrewing of the containing body 37, the whole unit formed
by the containing body 37-spring 22-actuation element 18 translates in this direction
Y2.
[0139] During the retraction, the pin 23' causes the first clamping member 65 to complete
a rotation in the opposite direction to that previously described in order to also
return to the position shown in fig. 13. To return the second clamping member 66 to
the position shown in fig. 13, the user presses the main switch 63, which is also
configured to reverse the direction of rotation of the electric motor 60, so as to
activate a rotation of the electric motor 60 in the opposite direction to the arrow
F indicated in fig. 3, that is, in a counterclockwise direction. This opposite rotation
determines the translation of the rack 20 in a direction opposite the previous one
(that is, in the direction Y2, that is, toward the left with reference to the drawing),
which causes the second clamping member 66 to return to the position of fig. 13.
[0140] In a possible embodiment, a return spring 67 is provided which connects the second
clamping member 66 to the casing 50, assisting the drive of the rack 20 in order to
return this return member to the position shown in fig. 13.
[0141] In other embodiments, alternative to the previous ones, the rack 20 can be constrained
to the second clamping member 66. For example, rack 20 and second clamping member
66 can be hinged to each other by means of a connection pin 68, as shown in fig. 13b.
In this case, as will be evident to the person of skill in the art, the safety device
may not have the return spring 67.
[0142] Finally, by re-screwing the containing body 37 it is possible to once again put the
spring 22 in compression so as to return the safety device 11 back to the condition
in which it can be used again.
[0143] It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the safety
device for a diver and to the safety apparatus comprising the safety device as described
heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.
[0144] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference
to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to
achieve many other equivalent forms of device for a diver and safety apparatus comprising
the safety device, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence
all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.
[0145] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate
reading: they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field
of protection claimed in the specific claims.
1. Safety device for a diver comprising a holding element (12) which can be held by the
diver, an actuation element (18) configured to drive the delivery of gas from a gas
cylinder of compressed gas (13) to a lifebelt (14) which can be worn by the diver,
characterized in that said holding element (12) is configured to be held, during use, inside the diver's
mouth, in that said safety device comprises a mechanism to activate the actuation element (18) connected
to said holding element (12) by means of a connection element (17; 64) in order to
activate said actuation element (18) when a holding action on said holding element
(12) stops.
2. Safety device as in claim 1, characterized in that said activation mechanism comprises a tensioning mechanism (16) connected to said
holding element (12) by means of a connection element (17) to exert a traction force
on said holding element (12), and in that said tensioning mechanism (16) is configured to drive said actuation element (18)
when a holding action on said holding element (12) stops.
3. Safety device as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said holding element (12) has a button shape.
4. Safety device as in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said tensioning mechanism (16) comprises a pulley (19), rotating around an axis of
rotation (X) and around which said connection element (17) is wound, a rack (20) associated
with said pulley (19) and with said actuation element (18), and a transmission system
(21), configured to transform the rotation of said pulley (19) around said axis of
rotation (X) into a movement of said rack (20) in a first direction (Y), orthogonal
to said axis of rotation (X), in order to drive said actuation element (18).
5. Safety device as in claim 4, characterized in that said actuation element (18) is associated with a spring (22) compressed in a second
direction (Z), orthogonal to said axis of rotation (X) and to said first direction
(Y).
6. Safety device as in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said actuation element (18) comprises a seating (23) for the insertion of one end
of said rack (20).
7. Safety device as in claim 6, characterized in that said seating (23) is provided with a surface inclined by an angle (α) comprised between
10° and 80° with respect to said first direction (Y).
8. Safety device as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises a stop device (26) configured to hold said connection element (17).
9. Safety device as in claim 1, characterized in that said actuation mechanism comprises another actuation element (60) which is connected
to the holding element (12) by means of a connection element (64) and is configured
to be activated when a holding action on said holding element (12) stops, and to in
turn activate said actuation element (18).
10. Safety device as in claim 9, characterized in that said holding element (12) is configured as a switch able to assume two different
conditions (I, O) in order to selectively activate the electric power circuit of the
other actuation element (60); the latter being an electric motor powered by a battery
(62) and a plurality of connection elements (64) being provided which reciprocally
connect said holding element (12), said electric motor (60) and said battery (62).
11. Safety device as in claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a toothed wheel (61) keyed onto said electric motor (60) and a rack
(20) which is engaged by said toothed wheel (61) and is linearly mobile in a first
direction (Y); and in that it also comprises a first clamping member (65) and a second clamping member (66)
mobile between a rest configuration, in which they keep said actuation element (18)
clamped, and a rotated configuration in which, instead, they allow the movement of
said actuating element (18); the rotation of at least one of said clamping members
(66) being determined by the movement of said rack (20).
12. Safety device as in any claim from 9 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a primary switch (63) configured to selectively exclude the connection
between said holding element (12) and said other actuation element (60) and/or to
reverse the direction of rotation of said electric motor (60).
13. Safety apparatus for a diver comprising a safety device (11) as in any claim hereinbefore,
a gas cylinder of compressed gas (13) connected to said safety device (11) and a lifebelt
(14) which can be worn by the diver and connected to said gas cylinder (13).
14. Apparatus as in claim 13, characterized in that said gas cylinder of compressed gas (13) provides a switch to deliver gas to said
lifebelt (14), and in that said actuation element (18) is configured to cooperate with said switch and activate
said safety device (11).
15. Apparatus as in claim 13, characterized in that said gas cylinder (13) comprises a membrane (24), and in that said actuation element (18) comprises a perforation element (25) configured to perforate
said membrane (24).