SAFETY DEVICE FOR A DIVER AND SAFETY APPARATUS COMPRISING SAID DEVICE

Abstract

 Safety device for a diver that can be driven automatically during the immersion when the diver loses his/her senses and safety apparatus comprising the safety device that 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.

Description

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.

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).

Drawing