Apparatus Constrainable to a Diver for Buoyancy Control

The present invention relates to an apparatus constrainable to a diver for buoyancy control.

A diver's equipment, including full cylinders, regulators and pressure gauge, is generally heavier than the corresponding volume of water and would therefore sink. The human body has a density close to that of water, but if before diving a diver wishes to keep his or her head above water a thrust of at least 5 kgf would be needed. To protect themselves against cold, divers often wear a neoprene wetsuit which has high buoyancy. Furthermore, divers generally use weights (lead blocks) to be able to ensure immersion. The weight also serves to compensate for the loss of mass due to the consumption of the breathable mixture present in the cylinders.

In order to maintain neutral buoyancy, use is made of buoyancy control devices also known as BCDs in the technical sector. These devices are worn by the diver and are provided with chambers that may be inflated by introducing a gas into them. Typically, divers increase the volume of the BCD by introducing into the chambers a part of the gas present in a cylinder (used to breathe underwater). Conversely, they are able to reduce the volume of the BCD by opening a specific valve to expel that gas into water. In particular, this equipment allows divers to compensate for the variations in volume.

During a dive there are various factors in play:

In particular, when rising to the surface, the diver must reduce the volume of the BCD, otherwise the rate of ascent would progressively increase with the reduction in pressure (and this could also become dangerous for the diver's health). Therefore, the diver must be able to regulate the variation in the gas volume.

In this context, the technical task at the basis of the present invention is to propose an apparatus and a method of using that apparatus which can facilitate the diver in seeking neutral buoyancy in water.

The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by an apparatus and a method of using that apparatus comprising the technical features disclosed in one or more of the appended claims. Additional features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the approximate and thus non limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of an apparatus as illustrated in the appended figures, in which:

shows a perspective view of a first apparatus according to the present invention;

In the appended figures, the reference numberdenotes an apparatus constrainable to a diver. Typically, the apparatuscan be worn by the diver. Typically, the apparatuscan be placed on the diver's shoulders. Conveniently, the apparatuscomprises 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 tanksfor containing the breathable mixture (gas).

The apparatuscomprises a buoyancy control system for a diver. The apparatuscomprises a rigid meanswhich defines an operating zone. In particular, the rigid meansdefines the operating zonewithin it. In fact, the rigid meanssurrounds (and advantageously delimits) the operating zone. The operating zonehas a constant volume. Conveniently, the rigid meansis made of plastic material. The rigid meansis not compressible.

The operating zoneis intended to receive a gas and an incompressible liquid.

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.

The zoneis defined by a chamber or by the sum of a plurality of separate chambers. In particular, the zoneis defined by a first chamberor by the sum of at least a first and a second chamber,. If there is only a first chamber(see the solution in, but this also applies for the one in) 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 chamberfor the incompressible fluid and a second chamberfor the gas (see the solution in). The presence of at least a first and a second chamber,makes it possible to minimise the shifting of the mass of incompressible fluid inside the zoneas 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.

The apparatuscomprises a first meansfor introducing the incompressible fluid into at least a portion of said operating zone. The first meanscomprises for example a valve, typically one-way. Conveniently, the first meansis 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 meanscould 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.

The apparatuscomprises a first meansfor introducing the gas into at least a portion of said operating zone. The first meanscomprises/is typically a valve, advantageously a one-way valve. The first meansis activatable on command. In particular, it can be manually activated. Advantageously, the first meansand the first meansare distinct and separate elements. In the solution exemplified in the appended figures, the first meansand the first meansare at opposite ends of the rigid means. However, they could also be arranged side by side.

Advantageously, the apparatuscomprises a pressurised tankof said gas. Conveniently, the tankis the same one used to supply the breathable mixture to a breathing apparatus used by the diver. The tankis separated from the rigid means. The tankis typically a pressurised cylinder of the breathable mixture. The first meansfor introducing the gas is operatively interposed between the tankand the zone. The first meansthus enables the introduction of said gas (under pressure) into the tank. Conveniently, the first meansis manually activated by an operator.

Conveniently, the rigid meanscomprises a rigid casingdefining said operating zone. Preferably, the operating zonealso has an invariable shape (and not only volume). The casingsurrounds and externally delimits the operating zone. The casingcould be cylindrical as in. Conveniently, it could have a more ergonomic shape, or one designed to limit bulkiness. For example, it could define a concavity into which the tankis fitted. The casingcould thus embrace the tank. In particular, the casinghas a U-shaped cross section that defines a housing for the tank. This solution is exemplified in. Conveniently, the casingcan embrace the tank, wrapping around it by 360° (see, for example, the solution in).

Conveniently, the apparatuscomprises a meansfor evacuating a fluid from the operating zone(i.e. the meansis a means which enables the evacuation of a fluid from the operating zone). The meanscomprises 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, the valves of the evacuating meansare advantageously intended to discharge a predetermined fluid. In the solution inor, by contrast, a same valve of the evacuating meanscan be intended to discharge the gas or the incompressible liquid according to the operating mode. The evacuating meansallows 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 outletbetter defined below) is exceeded or to balance the pressure between upstream and downstream of a corresponding valve (for example the discharge outletor the discharge outletor the ventbetter defined below).

In the solution exemplified in, the meansfor evacuating the fluid comprises a first discharge outletin fluid communication with the first chamber. It allows the outflow of the gas or incompressible fluid. Conveniently, the evacuating meansalso comprises a second discharge outletin fluid communication with the first chamber. The second discharge outletlikewise allows the outflow of the gas or incompressible fluid. As better explained below, if both the first and the second discharge outlets,are present, they are spaced apart from each other (in particular in two opposite zones of the rigid means) 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 outletor second discharge outlet(if present) is conveniently a vent. The first discharge outletcan 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.

Conveniently, in the solution inor, the apparatusalso comprises a second meansfor introducing the incompressible fluid into the operating space. Typically, the second meansis situated at an opposite end of the rigid meanswith respect to the first means. The second meansis manually activated. The second meanscomprises a valve which leads into the operating space. The user intervenes manually in an explicit manner to activate the valve. Optionally, the apparatuscould also comprise an additional meansfor introducing the incompressible fluid into the operating space. The additional meansis manually activated. The additional meanstypically comprises a valve which leads into the operating space. The user intervenes manually in an explicit manner to activate the valve. Conveniently, the meansis situated side by side with the first means. 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.

In the solution exemplified in, the evacuating meansconveniently comprises a first meansfor discharging the incompressible fluid from the first chamber. Optionally, the first meansfor 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 chambercontains air that needs to be removed (in such a case, the first meansperforms the same function as the vent). Typically, the first meansis a valve, advantageously a one-way valve. Conveniently, but not necessarily, the first meansallows the outflow of the fluid from the operating zonewithout an explicit intervention of the user. It intervenes spontaneously. Typically, it is activated by a pressure difference between upstream and downstream.

Conveniently, the evacuating meanscomprises a first meansfor discharging the gas from said operating zone, in particular from said second chamber. Typically, the first meansis a valve, advantageously a one-way valve.

In a particular solution, the first meansfor discharging the gas comprises a variable-resistance air discharge outlet. 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. For example, this adjustment can be done mechanically, in particular by acting on a ring nut surrounding the discharge outlet.

Conveniently, the apparatuscomprises a second meansfor introducing the gas into said zone. Optionally, the second introducing meansis activated as a function of the external environmental pressure. For example, it can comprise a zonesensitive 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(or another tank for storing a gas) in communication with the operating zone.

In a first embodiment (see), the first chamberis in communication both with the first meansfor introducing the incompressible fluid and with the first meansfor introducing the gas. In particular, both the first meansfor introducing the incompressible fluid and the first meansfor introducing the gas lead into the first chamber. In such a case, the incompressible fluid and the gas are present in the first chamberwithout any physical dividing elements. The second chamberis absent. Conveniently, in this solution the first discharge outletand/or the second discharge outletand/or the second meansfor introducing the gas are also in fluid communication with the first chamber.

In a second embodiment (see), the first and the second chambers,are present. The first chamberis in communication with the first meansfor introducing the incompressible fluid and said second chamberis in communication with the first meansfor introducing the gas. The first and second chambers,are separated by a dividing means. In this case, the apparatusconveniently comprises (or more specifically the meansfor evacuating the fluid comprises) a ventfor venting gas from said first chamber. It allows the gas to be removed from the first chamber. This occurs, for example, in a preparatory phase before the actual dive (when the first chamberis filled with water). During full operation (i.e. during a dive in depth), gas is absent from the first chamber(again with reference to the solution in). During full operation only the incompressible liquid is present in the first chamber. The incompressible liquid is absent, on the other hand, from the second chamber(both in a preparatory phase before the dive and during full operation of the apparatus). Conveniently, the first and second chambers,are coaxial. Conveniently, in this solution the first meansfor discharging the incompressible fluid is also in fluid communication with the first chamber. The first meansfor discharging the gas and/or the second meansfor introducing the gas are in fluid communication with said second chamber.

For example, the first and second chambers,are at least in part defined by a dividing means which separates the first and second chambers,. For example, the dividing means can comprise/be a deformable bellows. The bellowscan be compressed and expand. An expansion of the bellows brings about an increase in the volume of the second chamberand a reduction in the volume of the first chamber. The bellowsexternally delimits the second chamber. The bellowsinternally delimits the first chamber. The bellowsconveniently expands and contracts along one direction. Typically, the bellowsis placed in the casing. Thus, the bellowsis part of the abovementioned dividing means. Conveniently, the first chamberat least partially wraps around the second chamber(in particular it surrounds it laterally; for example the chamberis in the form of a ring—not necessarily circular—or a cup).

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. For example, the partition divides the casinginto two (thereby defining a first and a second chamber,). In particular, it can be a disk or a plate. In a particular unillustrated and non-preferred solution, the first and second chambers,could also not be integrated into a same casing. 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,, connecting them operatively (conveniently, the piston comprises two plates, one per chamber, which contribute to delimiting them). In such a case, the first chamber, the second chamber, and the piston define rigid bodies, despite the piston being slidable with respect to the first and second chambers,.

As exemplified in the appended figures, the casingextends between a first end zoneand a second end zone. The first meansfor introducing the incompressible fluid is situated in the first end zone. The first meansfor discharging the gas is instead situated in the second end zone. 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 casingwhere the first meansfor introducing the incompressible fluid and the first meansfor discharging the gas are situated. In particular, the pressure will be greater at the first means(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. Conveniently, the first meansfor introducing the gas is situated in the second end zone. Conveniently, the second meansfor introducing the gas is situated in the second end zone.

With reference to the solution in, the ventfor the gas is conveniently situated at least in the second end zone. Conveniently, the ventcomprises 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.

Conveniently, the first meansfor discharging the incompressible fluid is also situated in the first end zone.

With reference instead to the solution inor, the first and second discharge outlets,are located, respectively, in the first end zoneand the second end zone. In contrast, the second meansfor introducing the incompressible liquid is advantageously situated in the second end zone. Any additional meansfor introducing the incompressible liquid will be situated in the first end zone. It typically comprises a manually activatable valve in communication with the operating zone(the first chamber—in fact, inthe first chambercoincides with the operating zone).

Advantageously, the second end zonewill be higher than the first end zoneif the apparatusis worn by the diver and the latter is in an upright position with his or her head high.

Conveniently, the apparatuscomprises a rear portionintended to be placed over (or in any case in contact with) the diver's back during use. The rear portion, as exemplified for example in, can define a backrest; the backrestcan be ergonomic (or at least in part ergonomic); in particular, it at least partly wraps around the user's back. Conveniently, the backrestcan also comprise a handlewhich facilitates the movement of the apparatusoutside the water. With particular reference to the solution in, the first meansfor introducing the gas conveniently has a distance from the rear portionwhich is greater than the distance that exists between the rear portionand the first discharge outlet(and/or the second discharge outlet). In this manner, when the user is wearing the apparatuson his or her shoulders and is positioned with his or her back facing upwards, the first meanswill enable the inflow of the gas into the upper part of the operating space(where the gas is present), while the incompressible fluid is evacuated through the first discharge outletbelow (where the incompressible liquid is present).

Conveniently, the second meansfor introducing the gas and the second meansfor introducing the incompressible fluid have a distance from said rear portionwhich is greater than the distance existing between said rear portionand the first discharge outlet.

The subject matter of the present invention also relates to an operating method of an apparatus. The apparatushas one or more of the previously described features.

Reference is made by way of example to the solution in. At the start of a dive, the operating zoneis full of gas (typically air). Once the diver is in water, in an upright position and wearing the apparatus, the method envisages opening the first meansfor introducing the incompressible fluid (the water surrounding the diver). Consequently, a corresponding amount of air present in the operating zoneis evacuated via the air vent(if both a first and a second chamber,are present, all the air present in the first chamberis removed). Filling is facilitated by the fact that the apparatusis about 40 centimetres high, so the pressure present at the first meansis greater than the pressure at the vent. If, during the complete venting of air from the first chamber, the diver should have insufficient buoyancy, the method envisages adding gas through the first means.

Conveniently, when the diver has found the right proportion between incompressible fluid and gas in the operating zone, so that the diver's head still above the water surface (and the first chamberis devoid of air—in the solution wherein the first and second chambers,are distinct), he or she can again open the first means, discharging air via the first meansfor discharging the gas. Once completely immersed, with his or her head no longer pushing downwards, the diver adds gas through the first means. 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 meansfor discharging the incompressible fluid).

In particular the method comprises the steps of:

During a descent, with an increase in ambient pressure, the zonesensitive to the external pressure will activate the actuator, thus enabling the inflow of air (into the operating zoneor more precisely into the second chamber). In this manner, the lever of the second stage mechanism will be pressed, causing air to enter. In the absence of the valve, 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(pressure difference between the outside and inside of the casing).

During an ascent, as the external pressure decreases, there will be an excess of pressure in the second chamber. The gas will thus be removed through the first means. Even if the discharge outletis at minimum resistance, the gas cannot exit in excess, given that the incompressible fluid inside the operating zonecannot expand.

The apparatusthus automatically maintains the proportions between the volume of incompressible fluid (water) and of gas (air). This notwithstanding any compression of the wetsuit.

In the solution inthe functioning is analogous, but for the evacuation of the gas and of the incompressible fluid the apparatuswill rely on the first and/or second discharge outlets,, depending on how it is oriented (head up, down, or horizontal). In fact, the gas will tend to rise higher than the incompressible fluid.

In particular, the inflow of water is made to take place by activating the manual valve of the first meansfor introducing the incompressible liquid. This brings about a spontaneous outflow of the gas through the discharge outletor(the one positioned higher, which can thus draw from the volume of gas present). Consequently, the upwards thrust is reduced.

On the other hand, the inflow of gas is made to take place by activating the meansand/orfor introducing the gas. This brings about a spontaneous outflow of the incompressible liquid through the discharge outletor. 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 meansis advantageously higher than the discharge outlet,and allows the introduction of gas into the upper part, whilst the discharge outlet,draws directly from the underlying liquid (it is again noted that the liquid will settle lower than the gas inside the operating zone).

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.