Safety device and method for scuba-diving

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a safety device, diving equipment and a method of protection in combination with scuba diving to control the diver's buoyancy when the diver is equipped with diving equipment containing at least one air pressure tank, valve element connected to the pressure tank and configured to feed air from this pressure tank through the first feeding system to the breathing regulator and through the second feeding system to the inflatable diving vest to control the diver's buoyancy, an actuator capable of automatically starting to inflate the diving vest when the diver is not caused air to flow through the breathing regulator for a specified period of time, wherein the actuator is controlled by an actuator that automatically switches the actuator to active mode when the diver is within the actuation zone. The invention also includes an inflatable diving vest comprising a weight pocket system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for controlling diver buoyancy.

TECHNICAL STATE

In free diving with diving tanks, the so-called Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus,

SCUBA), the diver is supplied with air from pressure tanks that he carries during the dive. For obvious reasons, it is extremely important that the dive takes place in the right way to protect yourself from accidents. Most people planning to dive decide to take part in the training before starting the actual dive. Over the past years, many devices have been developed to prevent diving accidents. One example is the inflatable diving vest worn by the diver and helping him control buoyancy, which is used in conjunction with weights to help the diver submerge. Examples of other devices are tables and portable dive computers that help divers plan their dives so that they do not

EP2 148 809 risk decompression sickness or avoid the urge to ascend quickly due to, for example, depletion of air supply. The diving equipment itself has also been developed and equipped with devices to prevent accidents. Most of these devices are designed to detect any emerging problems or to assist the diver during the dive. However, existing devices, not just existing diving vests, have drawbacks that can lead to safety risks and / or do not motivate the diver enough to improve the safety aspect of the diving equipment used.

One situation that quite often leads to almost accidents, and sometimes drowning, occurs when the diver for some reason is under stress during the ascent. The standard procedure is that after ascending, the diver should first ensure buoyancy by inflating the diving diving vest, and only then remove the breathing regulator from the mouth. If a diver in such a situation fails to secure buoyancy by inflating the diving vest with air, he will soon sink due to the weight of the diving equipment. Because of this, there were accidents in which people were drowning even though they dived in water not exceeding a depth of two meters.

Safety devices related to diving equipment to remove the defects described above are known. From FR 2741853, for example, a device is known which includes sensors in combination with actuating means to - in connection with certain predetermined conditions - begin to inflate the diving vest to eliminate drowning situations. Also known from EP 034569 is a device containing a system whose purpose is to automatically inflate a life jacket after cessation of breathing. In addition, a security system is known from US 4,176,418, the purpose of which is to cause automatic inflation of the diving vest after cessation of breathing. US 5,746,543 further discloses a device to assist the diver in automatically controlling buoyancy. A similar device discloses US 6,666,623. In US 5,560,738 another device variant is presented

EP2 148 809 related to diving. According to this device, equipment is provided to check that the diver is not at a depth where there is not enough air in the tank. In the event that the device detects that the pressure tank does not contain enough air, the device will automatically inflate the diver's vest so that the diver ascends. This device can also be configured to automatically ascend to the surface if the diver descends to the predetermined maximum depth. However, none of these known devices can be considered a satisfactory solution to the problem.

As for another aspect of safety, the diver is trained to increase his buoyancy in an emergency by disconnecting weights carried in a separate weight belt or in the pockets at the front and bottom of the diving vest. For this reason, the weight belts and diving vests are equipped with buckles designed to be detached with a simple hand movement for quick disconnection of the weights, see for example the Mares Dragon diving vest, which can be viewed on the Mares website www.mares.com . Despite the efforts made to facilitate the disconnection of these weights, it was observed that only a few percent of the divers who died unfastened the weights. The main reason for this is probably the irrational behavior of the diver in an emergency situation and the fact that the diver does not even try to disconnect the weights. A diving partner who attempts to disconnect these weights will also be exposed to serious danger due to the position of the weights.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide an improved safety method and safety device associated with scuba diving. This is accomplished by starting to inflate the diving vest and discarding the weights of the diving vest according to claim 1 if the diver does not cause air to flow through the breathing regulator for a predetermined period of time. The invention also relates to a security device according to claim 7 for implementing this security method. The invention further includes a diving vest that includes a system of pockets for weights that can

EP2 148 809 be automatically disconnected when the safety device is activated, and weights adapted to perform this function according to claim 9. The invention also relates to an inflatable diving vest based on modules and comprising a pump according to claim 10.

Thanks to the invention, a diver who would otherwise be drowned will be safely carried to the surface of the water. Thanks to the method based on sensing whether the diver is breathing through his breathing regulator, you can configure the safety device to start inflating the diving vest in situations where normal safety systems would not detect a hazard, for example if the diver apparently controls the situation near the water surface, but not breathes through its breathing regulator (for a limited time), which can be caused, for example, by heart problems. In addition, the safety device can be configured to start discarding the weights of the diving vest according to the invention, to further increase the buoyancy of the diver, which will have a synergistic effect in connection with the automatic inflation of the diving vest.

The safety device is activated by air from the pressure vessel, which means that the safety device will have high reliability. The preferred device according to the invention is further characterized in that it is only influenced by several components known on the market as such, which allows the product cost to be kept low. According to a preferred embodiment, the safety device can easily be connected to existing diving equipment or integrated with new equipment, for example at the point where the pressure tank is connected to the vest, or integrated with a diving computer. This allows you to significantly increase the safety of scuba diving in a flexible way and at a relatively reasonable cost. By being able to use the invention in principle in combination with existing equipment regardless of the manufacturer, the diver can still use the equipment that suits him best, which leads to additional synergy in terms of safety. However, there may be an additional function of the safety device if it is combined with a life jacket

EP2 148 809 a dive according to the invention, which is configured to allow automatically rejection of the weights that the diver takes with him to submerge. This function is an important part of the inventive idea and in the following description such a diving vest was used to fully demonstrate the function of the safety device. However, it is clear from the description that a number of combinations of the safety device, parts of the devices of the invention and existing equipment are possible, with the diver being able to improve his equipment step by step.

In order not to risk injuries caused by rapid ascent from a great depth to the surface of the water, this method is primarily aimed at starting to inflate the diving vest and discard the weights when the diver is (or has recently been) in the launch zone. This is properly achieved by providing the diving equipment with an actuator that begins to inflate the diving vest and discard the weights when the diver is in the activation zone just below the water surface. Such a device is known from the Applicant's patent application No. PCT / SE2006 / 050493. A reference to this document is hereby incorporated.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the actuator is preferably turned on when the diver is within the actuation zone A bounded by a predetermined upper actuation limit D1 and a predetermined lower actuation limit D2. Thus, the advantage is also achieved that the vest is not inflated if the diver is at a depth from which a direct ascent to the surface is not desirable / advisable. For this reason, the pre-set upper activation limit corresponds appropriately to a depth just below the water surface to a depth of 1 m, preferably 0.1-0.5 m, more preferably 0.1-0.3 m, most preferably about 0.2 m below the water surface , and the lower activation limit set in advance corresponds to the depth selected taking into account preferences, for example, the depth just above the usual depth for the so-called safety stops associated with ascending to the surface, preferably 2-5 m, more preferably 3 m, most preferably about 2.5 m below the water surface.

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Due to the fact that the actuator preferably includes a pressure measuring means that detects the depth D of the diver, the advantage is obtained that as soon as the diver is in the actuation zone, a safety system is automatically activated that prevents the diving vest from inflating and discarding weights when the diver is at a depth from which an ascent to the surface would pose a serious threat to health. Whether the diver is in the launch zone during the descent or ascent does not matter. Due to the fact that all components of the safety device require only compressed air to operate, which compressed air is always available from a pressure tank, a very reliable way of protection can be provided. Of course, the start zone can be adapted to the requirements and the course of the dive.

Additional aspects of the invention are apparent from the additional dependent claims and the description.

• the safety device can be installed in existing diving equipment;

• the safety device can be moved between different sets of diving equipment;

• the safety device should have high reliability;

• the safety device may allow you to manually inflate the diving vest and throw away weights in an almost accident situation;

• better protection against diving accidents can be provided to the individual diver;

• manual depth setting of the activation zone;

• the safety system can still be activated when diving in shallow water (no more than 3-5 m), for example in connection with training, which increases the safety of inexperienced divers;

• manual activation of the safety system can be ensured, which can be an advantage in connection with training, during which the safety system can be activated on land for training purposes as well as from a safety point of view;

EP2 148 809 • switching on by means of a remote control can be provided, for example in combination with a diving computer, wireless communication / reception;

• the safety system can be connected to (or integrated with) the dive computer 5.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, of which:

Fig. 1a is a diagram of a set of diving equipment according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1b shows a schematic of one embodiment of the dive weights and the diving weights themselves.

Fig. 1c is a diagram of a set of diving equipment according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a flow chart of an actuator according to the invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a diver using the invention. Fig. 4 is a slightly modified flow chart of the actuator according to the invention.

Fig. 5 is an illustration of an embodiment of an actuator according to the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a side view of a pump according to the invention,

Fig. 7 is an exploded view of the components in a cross section of a first embodiment of a coupling assembly for connecting a separate actuator according to the invention and a conventional pump with a diving vest according to the invention,

Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the components in a cross section of a second embodiment of a coupling assembly for connecting a pump according to the invention to a diving vest according to the invention,

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the components in cross section of the third embodiment of the coupling assembly intended for

EP2 148 809 connection of a pump according to the invention with a diving vest according to prior art,

Fig. 10 shows a top view of the gasket according to the invention,

Figures 11a-b show a top view of the vest connector according to the invention,

Figures 12a-b show a bottom view of the pump fitting of the invention,

Figures 13a-b show an alternative embodiment of a pocket and weight,

Fig. 14a shows a detailed side view of the handle 14,

Fig. 14b shows a detailed top view of the handle 14,

Figures 15a-c show the handle 14 in different settings in a side view,

Figs 16a-c show the weight rejection device 15 in different settings in a side view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Fig. 1a shows a set of diving equipment used in connection with scuba diving. The equipment comprises at least one pressure vessel 1 and a valve element 2 connected to the pressure vessel and configured to supply air from the pressure vessel via the first hose 5 to the breathing regulator 4. The valve element 2 is also configured to supply air from the pressure tank to the so-called diving vest 6 and to the so-called pump 3, with which the diver can manually inflate the diving vest with air from the pressure tank 1, or alternatively release air from the diving vest . The diving vest 6, which is inflatable, is worn by the diver and used to control his buoyancy. In the embodiment shown, the diving vest 6 is supplied with air through a second hose 7 from a pressure vessel. The pump 3 is supplied with air from the pressure vessel through a third hose 9 which is connected to the pressure vessel. A fourth hose 12 connects the pump 3 to the diving vest 6 through the coupling device 17.

The diving vest includes pockets 13 for weights 11 that help the diver to submerge. The pockets are preferably located along the bottom edge of the front side and sides of the diving vest 6. Each pocket has one handle 14 that holds the weights 11 in the pockets. The handles are connected behind

EP2 148 809 by means of a suitable coupling mechanism 16 with a weight rejection device 15 which is configured as an integral part of the diving vest. The weight rejection device, indicated here by the handle, includes a release mechanism 42 that initiates weight rejection. This part of the invention can be used without combining with the other parts of the inventive idea. In other words, the diving vest 6 of the invention can enable the weight rejection of hand weights to be much easier compared to prior art diving vests. Thus, the chance that the diver will be able to throw away the weights and thereby obtain better buoyancy is increased. It is also understandable that another person who comes to the rescue of a diver will be able to help him reject the weights in a much easier, faster and safer way.

The pockets 13 are preferably rigid and accordingly have a slightly conical shape. For example, the figure shows pockets and a bell-like shape. The pockets are arranged straight outwards so that the weights can fall out of the pocket with the least possible resistance. The weights as well as the pockets are preferably made of a material ensuring the least friction between them. Alternatively, their surface may be treated or covered / covered with such material.

The figure shows pockets with a substantially vertical fall line. The fall line will be the line along which the weights fall out when the diver is in a vertical position. The invention is not limited to diving vests with pockets facing this way, but it is known that the pockets can be tilted downward as long as the weights can fall out of the pocket themselves, i.e. only under the influence of their own weight, even if the diver is not upright. Possible settings can be, for example, a slight downward inclination, which allows the weights to fall out when the diver is flowing, which is often accompanied by a substantially horizontal body position. By giving the pockets a conical shape, this orientation of the pockets will mean that the weights will fall out under their own weight, even if the diver accidentally tilts back slightly. Of course, you can combine pockets of different orientation, while the pockets located along the side of the diving vest can be

For example, give a substantially vertical fall line, while the pockets at the front of the vest are generally given a fall line oriented downwards.

The diving equipment further includes an actuator 8 configured to communicate with the valve member 2 to initiate inflation of the diving vest 6. Accordingly, the actuator 8 is also configured to initiate the rejection of the weights of the diving vest, preferably simultaneously with initiation of inflation of the diving vest. The connection 41 between the coupling device 17 release mechanism 42 that interacts with the connectors 16 is used for this purpose. The actuation device 8 is therefore connected to the valve element 2 in such a way that the connection between them is flexible, e.g. in the form of an intermediate hose (not shown) , which gives some flexibility, preventing high forces on the connection by knocking or knocking. The valve element 2 is of a conventional type and usually includes a pressure reducing valve (not shown) which reduces the air pressure from the pressure vessel 1 (usually around 2030 MPa). On the outlet side, the valve element contains a number of pipe nipples to which the actuator, diving vest, regulator, pump, etc. can be connected and supplied with lower pressure air, usually 0.8-1.1 MPa. One essential aspect of this is that the outlet side of the valve element 2 comprises a continuous space connected to the pipe fittings. Thus, devices connected to the valve element are also connected to each other.

Fig. 1b shows the pocket 13 and the weight 11. The pocket 13 includes a handle 14 configured to hold the weight in the pocket (shown schematically). The handle 14 is connected to the weight rejection device 15, indicated by the handle configured by the release mechanism 42 (not shown) and the coupling mechanism 16, to cause the handle 14 to release the weight, which is indicated by the arrow. The weight 11 includes a hook 120 configured to interact with the handle 14. The weights also contain a certain type of handle 121 that makes it easy to insert and remove weights in / out of the pocket. Handle 14 and

EP2 148 809 hook 120 may consist of, for example, magnets that hold the weight by magnetic force. On the sides of the pocket and the weight can be placed other attachment devices (magnets), 122, 123, respectively, which interact and provide additional retaining force, which in itself is not enough to hold the weight in the pocket. In the example shown, the automatic rejection of weights is achieved by separating any pair of magnets, here a pair of magnets, which consists of magnets 14 and 80, respectively. It is known that the information provided above is only one example of how to properly hold and release a weight, and that other ways of achieving the same operation are inherently included in the scope of the invention.

Fig. 1c shows a set of diving equipment with an actuation device 8 according to the invention, integrated with a pump 3. In this embodiment, the second hose 7 can be dispensed with and instead the air from the pressure tank 1 can be supplied to the pump 3 through a third hose 9, which according to this will also supply the actuator 8 with air. For the rest, the parts are the same as shown in Fig. 1a, which obviously results from the same type of contained elements, which were given the same numbers.

Fig. 2 is a flow chart of an embodiment of an actuator 8 according to the invention and of the components contained therein. In this embodiment, the actuator 8 consists of a separate assembly connected to the diving equipment as shown in Fig. 1a. The actuator comprises a valve with a pressure sensor 20 which, via the first connector L1a, has a fluid connection to the valve element outlet 25

2. In addition, the actuator 8 includes a diaphragm valve 21 (or similar) which, via the second connector L1b, has a fluid connection to the outlet 25 of the valve element 2, and through the outlet L10 has a fluid connection to the valve with a pressure sensor 20. In turn, the diaphragm valve 21 is connected with retarder 22. There is a third connector L20 between diaphragm valve 21 and first side S1 of delayer 22. There is a fourth connector L21 between diaphragm valve 21 and second side S2 of delayer 22. In addition, the device

Actuator EP2 148 809 includes a trigger valve 23, which via the sixth connector L3 has a fluid connection to the retarder 22. The trigger valve 23 also has a fluid connection to the outlet 25 of the valve element 2, via the seventh connector L1c, to be able to supply the diving vest 6 with air from the second hose 7.

In one embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor valve is a control valve that switches between the two end positions. The valve 20 is therefore closed in each of the end positions so that air cannot flow through the valve 20 and through the conduit L10 to the diaphragm valve 21. Only if the pressure of the surrounding water 200 affects the valve so that its pressure sensor indicates one of the set values, leading to a position between the above-mentioned end positions, the valve with the pressure sensor 20 will open the connection for supplying air from the pressure tank 1, through the inlet pipe L1a and further through its outlet L10 to the diaphragm valve 21.

The diaphragm valve 21 is a directional valve that directs the incoming air from the valve outlet L10 with the pressure sensor 20 (the air stream flowing through the inlet line L1a) to the flow through the third connector L20 or the fourth connector L21. When the air pressure in L1b acting on the diaphragm valve 21 is constant, the valve will direct the outgoing air to the third connector L20. When there is a change in the air pressure in the L1b line (which occurs due to breathing), the diaphragm moves inside the diaphragm valve 21, which in turn affects the direction of flow through the diaphragm valve 21, which flow is diverted from L20 to the fourth connector L21.

Accordingly, the only driving air flow to the diaphragm valve 21 flows through the L10 conduit and when it is active, the air flow is directed through the diaphragm valve either to the third inlet conduit L20 or to the fourth inlet conduit L21, both of which are connected to the retarder 22 .

EP2 148 809

Delay 22 operates by supplying the air stream from the third supply line L20 to line L3 only after a certain time, i.e. with a certain time delay. Accordingly, one of the inlets S1 to the retarder 22 must be subjected to an active pressure through the line L20 so that air can flow through the retarder 22 to the release valve 23. The retarder 22 has a built-in reset mechanism 22 which is coupled to the second inlet S2. This reset mechanism is activated through the inlet S2 when the diaphragm valve directs the air flow from the outlet L10 through the fourth inlet pipe L21. This redirection, in turn, takes place as soon as the diaphragm valve 21 notices a change in pressure. Accordingly, the air stream is reflected from L10 as soon as it is inhaled, which inhalation therefore leads to a change in pressure in the L1b line, which is then connected to the diaphragm valve. As soon as the diaphragm valve 21 notices such a change in pressure (i.e., confirmation of inspiration), the air flow from L10 accordingly will reset the retarder back to its original position, so that a predetermined delay will occur again before the release valve 23 is actuated. The release valve 23 is a simple logic that always has one of its lines L1c connected to the outlet of the pressure vessel 21 and activated to supply air through the hose 7 as soon as it is activated by a pressure pulse in line L3 which is coupled to the retarder 22.

The actuator 8 can be connected to the pressure vessel 1 and the valve element 2 via the first coupling device 26 (only shown schematically in Fig. 2). This first coupling device 26 preferably includes standard valve fittings, which means that the actuator 8 can in principle be connected to all valve components 2 available on the market, regardless of the manufacturer, since such devices are usually manufactured with standard fittings so that they can be combined with different types of equipment. As described above, the valve element 2 usually includes a pressure reducing valve (not shown) which reduces the air pressure from the pressure tank 1 (usually around 20-30 MPa) so that a lower pressure air is supplied to the diving vest 6 and the breathing regulator 4, usually 0.8-1.1 MPa. The pump 3 is also supplied with air of such a lower pressure. It is known, however, that

In some applications, pressure reduction can take place in the actuator 8. It is also known that many advantages can be achieved when the actuator 8 is built into the valve member 2, so that they form a combined device (not shown).

The figure also shows a flow diagram of a reducing adapter 50 used to connect the actuation device 8 to the diving vest 6 according to the invention, via the coupling device 17 of the diving vest. The nozzle 50 comprises a coupling device 51, according to the type described above, to which the second hose 7 is connected. Two hoses / channels 7 ', 7 "run from the coupling device 51, where one hose / channel 7' is configured to inflate the diving vest 6 with air, and the other hose / channel 7" is configured to supply the release mechanism 42 with air to initiate automatic weight rejection.

The hose / channel 7 'configured to inflate the air diving vest suitably includes a check valve 24, such as a ball valve, which prevents backflow of air from the diving vest to the second 7 "hose / channel, which would undesirably discard the weights. The check valve 24 is a safety feature that can sometimes be dispensed with if the release mechanism 42 is instead adapted to withstand air pressure that would otherwise flow backward from the diving vest. Of course, it is assumed that the air pressure from the diving vest is less than the pressure from the actuator to which the release mechanism 42 is adapted. The skilled person will realize that both pressures will vary, partly depending on the depth at which the diver is located and how much air is left in the pressure vessel. This means that certain restrictions must be introduced regarding the maximum allowable diving depth and the minimum allowable pressure in the pressure vessel for the system to work.

Hose 7 is supplied - in a manner known per se - with a spring-loaded ball valve at the end, which means that hose 7 tightly cuts off the air flow as soon as it is disconnected from the diving vest 6 through the coupling having

EP2 148 809 in the form of a coupling device 51 on the connector 50. This also ensures that the safety device can be easily disconnected if necessary.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the actuator components are mainly mechanical components, such as pneumatically or hydraulically operated valves. This also provides the advantage that the protection device 8 does not require electricity to operate. It can therefore only be activated by air from the pressure vessel 1 and activated by external influences such as a certain type of moisture and / or a certain water pressure. Therefore, the reliability of its operation will be extremely high. By 'specific type of moisture' is meant an effect that does not include rain, but moisture from a continuous liquid tank (lake, pool, sea, etc.), where the presence of hydrostatic pressure can be detected without using a pressure gauge, for example by detecting moisture present continuously in certain areas of the actuator.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the use of the device according to the invention. It schematically shows a vertical cross-section of a water reservoir 200 (such as part of a lake), with surface 210, up to a certain depth corresponding to about 10 meters. To illustrate the dive with the device according to the invention, the figure further shows the diver 211 symbolically with the arrows, the diver 211 submersing, passing ad points in chronological order. The figure also shows that the device according to the invention preferably has an actuation zone A defined by the upper depth D1 and the lower depth D2, respectively.

A DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION

The operation of the device will now be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. As mentioned above, the method is mainly intended to avoid serious accidents in surface-related situations. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator 8 is therefore configured to activate when the diver 211 enters or is in the actuation zone A. Typically, this actuation zone A comprises a zone extending from a depth D1, from a zone just below the surface, to a depth of about 1 meter, usually 0.1-0.5 m, preferably

EP2 148 809

0.1-0.3 m and most preferably about 0.2 m below the surface, to a desired depth D2, such as 200 m or to a depth D2, which is usually used in so-called safety stops associated with ascending to the surface, preferably 2- 5 m, more preferably 3 m, most preferably about 2.5 m below the water surface. If the diver does not breathe in through the regulator 4 within a predetermined time, the actuator 8 will initiate inflating the diving vest 6 and discarding the diver's weights, so that diver 211 is carried to surface 210.

The launch cannot occur when the diver is outside the launch zone A, whether on shore or not diving, or when diving at a depth greater than that defined by the launch zone A. This function, i.e. inactive mode is achieved thanks to the valve with pressure sensor 20, constructed in such a way as to open the actuation connection L10 under the influence of external water pressure in the range D1-D2, which extends from the hydrostatic pressure at the upper depth of actuation D1 to the hydrostatic pressure at the lower depth starting D2.

In a position on the surface or in a position in which the diver 211 is just below the surface 210, the valve 20 will be closed, so that air cannot be transmitted through its outlet pipe L10. Due to the immersion, the diver 211 will at some point (see Fig. 3) be in the actuation zone A and hence the surrounding water 200 will exert enough pressure on the valve with the pressure sensor 20 to open the connection through outlet L10. Accordingly, the diaphragm valve 21 will be supplied with air through the conduit L10 and further through the connecting conduit L20, which leads to the retarder 22, and thus the inflow from the start position towards the activation position will be initiated. This activated mode will not be turned off until the diaphragm valve 21 switches, which will happen as soon as breathing through the breathing regulator 4 occurs, which will cause a change in pressure that through the valve element 2 reaches the connecting lines, so that the L1b line is connected to diaphragm valve 21 switches diaphragm valve 21. Accordingly, the diaphragm valve 21 will switch over, so that the air supplied to the outlet L10 from the pressure valve 20 will be diverted

EP2 148 809 inside the diaphragm valve 21 to release through the fourth connector L21, which will cause the reset of the retarder 22. This procedure will be repeated as long as the diver stays in the actuation zone A. If only the breath occurs within the predefined delay time T (configurable in retarder 22), there will be no effect on the trigger valve 23 via L3, which in turn means that the vest 6 will not be inflated and the weights will not be discarded.

The start time T1 during which compressed air switches the retarder from start mode to activation mode is much longer, approximately

10-100 times, preferably 10-20 times longer than the reset time T2, in which the compressed air directs the retarder chamber in the opposite direction, i.e. into the start mode, which reset time T2 is not longer than 2 seconds, preferably not longer than 1, 5 seconds and most preferably not longer than 1 second.

As soon as the submerging diver exceeds the lower actuation depth D2, i.e. point b in Fig. 3, the pressure of the surrounding water 200 will switch the valve with the pressure sensor 20 to the second end position in which it closes again, so that air will not be released through its L10 outlet. The valve with pressure sensor 20 will, however, maintain connection through outlet L10 if it has already been initiated when the diver has crossed the lower depth of actuation D2. Accordingly, the mechanism will not be automatically turned off by the diver's descent into the zone below the lower depth of actuation D2, but also in this case the activation mechanism will be turned off only in connection with the diaphragm valve 21 detecting breathing, thus the delay will be reset. If diver 211 was in trigger zone A, e.g. crossed the launching zone by sinking because it failed to ensure buoyancy on the surface, the actuator 8 will continue to be active, even if the diver 211 exceeds the pre-set lower limit of D2. Thus, the device is turned off only when diver 211 starts breathing again through his breathing regulator 4. In other cases, the weights will be discarded and the diving vest 6 will be inflated and bring diver 211 to surface 210.

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When the diver is below the lower actuation depth D2, the actuator 8 cannot be activated because the pressure valve 20 is in one of the closed positions.

When the diver then begins to ascend and reaches the ascent point c, where the water 200 exerts pressure on the valve with pressure sensor 20, which re-opens the connection to the outlet L10, the driving air will be supplied again to the diaphragm valve 21. Therefore, the operation of the device actuator 8 is the same as described above, as long as the diver is within actuation zone A. The actuator will not be turned off again until the diver ascends to a point d where the pressure of the surrounding water 200 falls below the predetermined upper depth of actuation D1. Once the diver is on the surface, he can properly spit out the breathing regulator 4 without risking the diving vest 6 inflating for no good reason. If, on the other hand, the diver begins to sink, he again enters the actuation zone A and in this case the actuator 8 can be turned off only as a result of the respiratory regulator resuming breathing again. According to an alternative embodiment, the pressure sensor valve 20 is configured in such a way that it interrupts the supply of air through the outlet L10 only because the diver exits the actuation zone A through the lower limit depth D2, and accordingly disconnects when the diver exits the actuation zone And through the upper depth of activation D1. Therefore, the risk of mistakenly inflating the diving vest 6 is eliminated when the diver 211 after a successful ascent and before the final ascent performs a short dive, i.e. mistakenly stops in the launch zone A just before the ascent.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the retarder 22 is a mechanical device comprising a hydraulic retarding chamber (not shown). The hydraulic retarding chamber adjusts the retarder, allowing it to move at different speeds in two directions by allowing a larger water flow in one direction and a smaller water flow in the other direction. Depending on which of the L20, L21 cables are compressed

EP2 148 809 the air acts on the hydraulic retarding chamber, the adjustment will allow movement at different speeds accordingly. When the compressed air will come from the third L20 line, the control will move from the start mode to the activation mode, when much less flow is possible than when the compressed air comes from the second L21 line. This means that the hydraulic retarding chamber will act as a clock for which the time at which the retarder shifts from start mode to activation mode can be selected by controlling the flow resistance in the right direction.

Accordingly, this time is selected in such a way that when the diver is not breathing through the breathing regulator, the delay chamber should change from start mode to activation mode in a maximum of 30 seconds, preferably 20 seconds. If the diver finds his breathing regulator 4 during this time or alternatively begins to breathe normally through the breathing regulator while in actuation zone A, the breathing will cause a pressure drop in the second connector L1b, which causes the diaphragm valve 21 to divert air to the fourth connector L21. When compressed air enters this side of the S2 delay chamber filled with liquid, a much larger flow opens through the delay chamber and this means that in a short time necessary for the breath to be inhaled by the liquid-controlled diver, the delay chamber will be put into start mode and the safety function will be reset to start mode. This procedure is repeated as long as the diver is in the actuation zone A, because then the pressure valve 20 will supply the driving air to the diaphragm valve 21, which means that the delay chamber 25 will repeatedly start moving from the start mode to the activation mode, as soon as a constant pressure is restored in L1b, causing the diaphragm valve 21 to direct air towards the first side S1.

Breathing the diver through the regulator 4 will cause a corresponding drop in pressure in the second connector L1b, which will reset the delay chamber.

If, on the other hand, an emergency occurs in which the diver does not find his breathing regulator within a predetermined time, the liquid-controlled delay chamber will be switched from start mode to activation mode under the influence of compressed air. After the party

EP2 148 809 activation position sixth connector L3 for compressed air opens through the delay chamber and to the release valve 23. Under the influence of compressed air flowing through the L3, the release valve 23 opens and thereby opens the direct connection L1c of the valve element

2 with a 6 diver's diving vest, which begins to inflate immediately.

The air will also affect the release mechanism 42, causing it to be released and the weights will be discarded. The diver will automatically obtain the buoyancy needed to float.

Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of an actuator 8 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the actuator 8 consists of a separate unit connected to the diving equipment as shown in Fig. 1a. In principle, it has the same built-in function as shown in Fig. 2, which is represented by elements of the same type with the same numbers. According to Fig. 4 the modification consists in the introduction of an additional valve 29 in its own line L4, which line L4 connects the line L1c with the outlet 7 leading to the vest 6, so that it bypasses the release valve 23. This additional valve 29 operates in such a way that it opens for automatic bloating of waistcoat 6 and discarding weights when the air in cylinder 1 will end soon. Accordingly, the purpose of valve 29 is to eliminate the risk of the diver running out of air during the dive; instead, it will automatically rise to the surface when the air starts to run out. Thus, an additional valve 29 will control the opening and connection with any type of sensor capable of detecting that the air will end soon, e.g. by means of a manometer (not shown) controlling the additional valve 29 when the operating pressure supplied through the fitting 25 drops to a certain level below "normal operating pressure", e.g. for opening at 0.5 MPa, when the operating pressure, i.e. after reducing by The pressure reducer is set to approximately 0.7-0.8 MPa. It is known that the pressure reducer can of course be placed inside the housing 100 belonging to the actuator 8.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of an actuator 8 according to the invention. It is obvious that the device 8 is a housing 100 or relatively

EP2 148 809 small size, which means that the device is easy to carry around because it is relatively small and does not take up much space. The approximate dimensions of the illustrated embodiment are 100 χ 50 χ 20 mm. The housing 100 houses the hoses and valves required as described above (see Figs. 3 and 4.) In addition, there are connectors 26, 27 necessary for connecting the device 8 between the valve element 2 of the pressure vessel 1 and the vest 6. As known to the skilled person, these connections can be made in many ways known per se to ensure the tightness of the joints. Accordingly, the coupling 25 between the actuator 8 and the valve element 2 of the pressure vessel 1 is, however, provided in the form of a flexible coupling 25B (such as a hose made of reinforced rubber), which by the coupling device 26B (here marked as a coupling with a nut, but of course it can be used many other types of connectors (such as quick couplings), so that any forces that arise and act on the actuator 8 (e.g. in the form of impacts or bending stresses) will not cause high stress on any of the coupling devices 26, 25A, but will instead be absorbed / suppressed by the flexible joint 25B. Furthermore, the vest connector 27 may preferably be a quick coupler known per se, which includes a closing mechanism as soon as the connector is disconnected (usually a spring-based ball that tightly presses it against the socket, and which ball opens / is repelled after the connector is connected ). Thanks to this built-in function, the hose 7 connecting to the vest can always be disconnected, if necessary, even under the surface without affecting the rest of the equipment or its operation.

Fig. 6a shows a side view (and also schematically the interior) of a pump 3, known per se, which is supplied with the actuator 8 according to the invention, thus obtaining a pump 3 with much better performance. The pump consists of a hollow and watertight housing, here in the form of an ergonomic handle, which is connected through the third hose 9 to the pressure tank 1, and through the third hose 12 with the diving vest 6. A cavity is formed inside the waterproof case 35, which has an open connection to the diving vest 6, through the hose 12 and the coupling device 17. These elements, i.e. the cavity in the housing 35, the hose, the coupling device 17 and the diving vest 6 will thus form

EP2 148 809 a continuous space within which air can flow freely in both directions. The fitting 36 for hose 9 in valve member 2 is preferably a quick coupling of the same type as described above, thanks to which the same benefits will be achieved in terms of the possibility of disconnecting the hose 9. The hose 12 is connected to the housing 35 in a cylindrical part which has been given a slightly longer elongation than usually to create space for the actuator

8. Preferably, the actuator 8 also includes a container 100 that preferably can form an integral part of the pump housing. The container 100 houses the cables and professions required as described above (see Fig. 3 and

4.) Between the actuator 8 and the housing 35 there is a first connection 28 open to the environment. Connection 28 connects to the valve with a pressure sensor 20 inside the actuator (shown schematically) so that the pressure of the surrounding water 200 'can transfer to the valve.

Inside the housing there is a pair of valves 31, 33, which can be operated by buttons 30, 34. The second connection 37 in the form of a filling hose / hose from the coupling 36 to the filling valve 31, which, when open, allows the air from the pressure vessel to flow into recesses inside the pump (marked with arrows by the letter A) and then through hose 12 to the diving vest to inflate the diving diving vest. The pump also includes a mouthpiece 32 that is connected to the cavity inside the pump through a combined draining and filling valve 33, which can be opened by pressing button 34.

From the branch in the second connection 37, there is a third connection 38 for compressed air from the pressure vessel 1 through the valve element 2, to the actuator 8. It should be noted that this third connection 38 is always in an open connection with the valve element 2. The actuator 8 further comprises an outlet 40 for compressed air (marked by an arrow at the letter C) from the release valve 23 and an additional valve 29 (if any) to the empty interior of the pump, from which compressed air can flow into the diving vest through hose 12 for its automatic inflation.

EP2 148 809

There is a fourth connection 39 from the actuator 8 intended for compressed air (marked by an arrow at the letter D) which is to be used to initiate the automatic rejection of weights from the diving vest. This fourth connection 39 preferably consists of a hose, which through the coupling device 17 and connection 41 conducts compressed air to the release mechanism, which when activated will initiate the rejection of weights. Finally, the figure shows a cable 18 that runs inside the hose 12 and a cable hook 19b located in the housing 35. The cable 18 is connected to a spring-loaded drain valve 79 in the pump connector 80, which connector is modified for this purpose by which it couplings, a pump 3 according to the invention can be combined with a diving vest 6 (shown in figure 8). By tensioning cable 18, you can empty the diving vest from air through valve 79. This function will make it easier for the diver to empty the air vest, otherwise he would have to lift pump 3 towards the surface to a level above the diving vest, where the pressure of the surrounding water is slightly lower than the diving vest.

A pump 3 according to the invention which is supplied with an actuator

8 according to the invention, it will thus enable manual and automatic filling of the diving vest. Manual filling of the diving vest is done by pressing the first button 30 on the pump 3, which opens the filling valve 31, which when opened allows air to flow from the pressure tank into the cavity inside the pump and through the hose

12 for a diving vest. The pump also has a mouthpiece 32 through which air can also be blown into the cavity, so that the diver can inflate the diving vest on his own. To inflate the diving vest through the mouthpiece, the diver must open the combined drain / fill valve 33, which is done by holding the second button pressed

34. In this way, the passage (indicated in the figure by the arrows at the letter B) opens between the cavity and the mouthpiece 32. This passage will also allow the diving vest to be emptied of air, which occurs immediately unless the diver closed the mouthpiece 32 hole and blows air into it. It is known that the mouthpiece will also allow the diver to use the air from the diving vest to

EP2 148 809 breathing for a limited time. It is also known that there may be a situation in which a diver for some reason loses the regulator 4, e.g.

due to a malfunction, and then it will be able to breathe through the mouthpiece 32, holding both buttons 30 and 34 pressed. Thanks to the actuator according to the invention now integrated with the pump, one more protection can be offered. If the diver is not conscious enough to open the valve 31, the actuator 8 will be activated after a predetermined delay time T has elapsed, allowing air from the pressure tank to flow into the pump cavity. This air inflates the vest and causes the weight to be thrown away, and at the same time the diver will receive more breathing air. It is known to be advantageous when the actuator, once it has been activated, remains in the open position, so that the connection L1c is constantly open to supply breathing air from the pressure vessel 1.

This part of the invention can be used without combining with the other parts of the inventive idea. In other words, the pump of the invention in which the actuator is connected as described above may have the advantage of not requiring any additional hose between the actuator and the diving vest. It also does not require an additional connector for connecting the actuator hose / hoses to the coupling device 17 on the diving vest 6, unlike when the separate actuator is to be connected to the diving vest. Another advantage is the release of the outlet on the valve element 2, so that the outlet can be used for other purposes. Still another advantage is the lack of the need for additional measures, in the form of flexible couplings etc., to ensure that the actuator 8 withstands external loads, such as described in connection with Fig. 5. Of course, the integration of the actuator with the pump has economic benefits in production, for example in the form of reduced material consumption.

Fig. 6b shows another cross-section of the hose 12 with the cable 18 and the fourth connection 39 that run inside it.

EP2 148 809

Fig. 7 is an exploded view of components of a first embodiment of a coupling device 17 for connecting a separate actuator 8 according to the invention and a conventional pump 3 with a diving vest 6 according to the invention. The coupling device includes a vest connector 60 according to the invention, a connector 50 according to the invention and a connector 70 of a conventional pump that is easily connected to each other by means of a threaded connector.

The vest connector 60 of the invention, connected to the diving vest 6, 10 comprises a threaded coupling device 62 in the form of a sleeve provided with a bottom 65, which is suitably connected by hermetic connection to the outer shell 61 of the diving vest. Pipe fitting 62 includes a passage 63 for compressed air to and from the inflatable chamber 64 inside the diving vest. The passage 63 consists of a culvert in the middle of the bottom 65 of the pipe coupling. The bottom 65 comprises a groove 66 that extends in a circumferential direction along the upper edge 65b of the bottom. Therefore, the top of the bottom is the side that is opposite to the bottom 65a of the bottom that faces the inside of the diving vest. In the bottom of the groove 66 there is an inlet 67a to the channel 67 with an outlet 67b on the underside 65a of the bottom with which the conduit 41 is connected, forming a connection with the release mechanism 42. The gasket 90, 91a, 91b rests on the upper side 65b of the bottom and is at least partially held in place by a rim 98 at the edge of the opening 63. The gasket 90, 91a, 91b includes at least one opening 92 that connects the groove 55 with the corresponding groove 66 in the adapter 50 on the upper side

65b of the bottom two circular protrusions 68a, 68b are placed which surround the groove 66. These protrusions interact with the respective protuberances 58a, 58b on the superimposed stub pipe 50 and the seal 90, 91a, 91b, so that between pairs of opposite protrusions 58a, 68a, 58b, 68b and the protuberances 91a, 91b of the gasket 90 form two gasket contact surfaces. The purpose of the inner surface of the seal 58b, 68b, 91b is mainly to prevent air from entering the diving vest through the passage 63, into the groove 66 and further through the channel 67 and the hose 41 to the release mechanism 42. The outer contact surface 58a, 68a, 91a will be together with the inner contact surface 58b, 68b, 91b, ensure further transmission of air supplied to the vest to

EP2 148 809 diving through the 7 "channel to channel 67. Of course, the outer contact surface 58a, 68a, 91a will also prevent the passage of compressed air through the connector between the connector stub 50 and the vest connector 60.

The connector 50 according to the invention, located as a connector between the vest connector 60 and the conventional pump connector 70, is provided with a threaded connection ring 51 which freely moves in a groove 52 in the outer edge of the connector. The vest connector and union 60 are connected by screwing the coupling ring 51 onto the threaded pipe fitting 62. The connector can simply be considered a sleeve with a relatively thick wall 55, and the bushing in the middle of the sleeve consists of passage 53 for compressed air. At least in the lower part, the passage preferably has the same diameter as the opening forming the passage 63 in the vest connector. The wall 55 has two channels 7 ', 7 "whose inlets correspond to a recess in the outer wall surface with which the hose 7 is connected by a certain type of suitable fitting 7a. The compressed air from the actuator 8 is led through a hose 7 and two channels 7 ', 7 "to the diving vest 6.

One channel 7 'is configured to route compressed air to the diving vest 6 and opens into passage 53. The other channel 7 "opens into the groove 56 in the bottom side 55a of wall 55. This groove corresponds in a circumferential course to the corresponding groove 66 on the upper side 65b of the wall 65 of the vest connector and is surrounded by two circular protrusions 58a, 58b that interact with the respective protrusions 68a, 68b located below the vest connector 60 and gaskets 90, 91a, 91b, as described above. This second channel 7 "is configured, through channel 67 of the vest connector 60 and connection 41, to direct compressed air to the release mechanism to initiate automatic weight rejection. Channel 7 'includes a check valve 24, such as a ball valve, which prevents air from the diving vest from flowing back to the second channel 7 ", because if it did, it could cause unwanted rejection of weights.

The threaded coupling device 59 is arranged along the outer edge of the upper side the coupling device extends axially as thinner

EP2 148 809 a wall whose dimensions match the respective coupling device 62 of the vest connector 60. This is advantageous because it facilitates the connection of the connector with the existing pump connector 70 without the need for other means in the form of adapters etc. The seal 99 rests on the upper side 55b of the relatively thick wall and is at least partially held in place by the rim 98. The upper side 55 of the wall further has a circular protuberance 58a that interacts with the respective protrusion 78a of the applied pump connector 70 and seal 99, preventing compressed air from passing through the connector between the connector pipe 50 and the pump connector 70.

The pump connector 70, also known per se, also acts as a sealing plug for the coupling device 17, and its construction resembles in several respects a stub 50. The pump connector 70 has the shape of a disk with a relatively thick wall 75, where the passage in the center of the disk forms a passage 73 for compressed air. In the wall 75 there is a passage channel 74 leading from the outside of the wall and to the passage 73, to which the hose 12 from the pump 3 is connected. The diving vest can be manually inflated and emptied through the hose 12, as described in connection with Fig. 6a.

The upper opening of the passage 73 is covered by a perforated cap 77. Inside the passage 73 there is a spring valve 70 that seals the cover 77. The valve includes a catch 19a for the cable 18, which runs around the deflector 19c and further through the passage 74 and the hose 12, to the pump 3 Valve 79 can be opened to release air from the diving vest by tightening the cable

18, as described in connection with Fig. 6a.

The pump coupling includes a threaded connection ring 71 which moves freely in the groove 72 by the outer edge, by means of which the pump coupling can be screwed to the stub 50. On the same principle as described above, a seal contact surface is formed between the circular relief 78a on the underside 75 wall, corresponding to the circular relief 58c of the stub 50 and the seal 99.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the components with a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the coupling device 17

For connecting a pump 3 according to the invention, in which the actuation device 8 is integrated, with a diving vest 6 according to the invention. The coupling device comprises a vest connector 60 according to the invention which fully corresponds to the vest connector described in connection with Fig.

7, and reference is hereby made to this description.

The pump connector 80 according to the invention resembles to a large extent the known pump connector 70, which is also described in connection with Fig. 7. In principle, it has the same built-in functionality as shown in Fig. 2, which has components of the same type which have been given such numbers only. The modification of Fig. 8 is that the channel 74 in the wall 75 is provided with a fork 39a in the form of an opening that opens into the groove 76 in the underside 75a of the wall 75. The course of the groove in the radial direction matches the corresponding groove 66 on the upper side 65b of the wall 65 of the vest connector. At the fork 39a, a hose 39 from a pump 3 according to the invention, which runs inside the hose 12, can be led to the groove 76 and attached. Accordingly, the hose 12 is attached to the duct 74 via a certain type of fitting (shown schematically). Alternatively, a hose 39 is attached to the inlet of the fork 39a.

The hose 39 is configured to guide compressed air from the actuator 8 to the release mechanism 42 through the channel 67 of the vest connector 60 and the connection 41 to initiate automatic weight rejection. One important aspect of this connection is that the hose 39 and the fork 39a form a closed connection between the actuator 8 and the groove 76.

The groove 76 is surrounded by two circular protrusions 78a, 78b that interact with the respective protuberances 68a, 68b of the underneath vest connector 60 and protrusions 91a, 91b of the seal 90. The purpose of the inner surface of the seal 78b, 68b, 91b is primarily to prevent air ingress, which is delivered to the diving vest through the passage 73, 63, to the groove 66 and further through the channel 67 and the hose 41, to the release mechanism 42. The outer contact surface 78a, 68a, 91a will together with the inner contact surface 78b, 68b, 91b ensure that

The air supplied to the diving vest through hose 39 will be forwarded to channel 67. Of course, the outer contact surface 78a, 68a, 91a will also ensure that compressed air will not be able to pass through the connection between the pump connector 80 and the vest connector 60.

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of how a pump according to the invention (with a built-in actuator) can be combined with a diving vest according to the prior art. The coupling device comprises a pump fitting 80 according to the invention which fully corresponds to the pump fitting described in connection with Figure 8, and reference is hereby made to this description.

The prior art vest connector 60 ', which attaches to the prior art diving vest 6, includes a threaded coupling device 62' in the form of a sleeve provided with a bottom 65 ', which is configured accordingly to form a hermetic connection with the outer shell 61' diving vests. The 62 'fitting includes a 63' passage for compressed air into and out of the inflatable chamber 64 'inside the diving vest. The 63 'passage consists of a culvert in the center of the bottom 65' of the pipe fitting. Gasket 99 'abuts on the upper side 65b' of the bottom and is at least partially held in place by a rim 98 on the edge of the opening 63 '. On the upper side 65b 'of the bottom there is a circular protrusion 68a' which cooperates with the corresponding protrusion 78a of the applied pump connector 80 and gasket 99 according to the invention, so that a seal contact surface is formed which prevents the compressed air supplied to the vest through the passage 63 'through the connection 63 between two connectors, 60 ', 80.

It is known that the combination of a conventional diving vest and pump according to the invention with a built-in actuator 8 can be made without any additional measures, which is advantageous. By using the pump according to the invention, all its benefits are achieved, except for the automatic weight rejection function, as a conventional diving vest does not have such a function.

EP2 148 809

Fig. 10 is a top view of the seal according to the invention in a preferred embodiment. The gasket 90 suitably consists of a ring of suitable material, such as rubber, of suitable thickness. The ring comprises at least one passage or even more preferably a number of grooves

92, which run in a circumferential direction. The grooves 92 are separated by spacers 93. The spacers 93 are preferably an integral part of the seal.

Fig. 11a shows the top side of the vest connector 60 of the invention in a top view, i.e. the figure shows the side that forms the side opposite and cooperating with the pump of the fitting when they are connected to each other. The figure shows the air passage 63 to the diving vest, two protrusions 68a, 68b that surround the groove 66, and at the bottom you can see the inlet 67a for connection 41.

Fig. 11b shows a top view of the vest connector 60 with the gasket 90 inserted therein. It is clear from the figure that the grooves of the seal fit axially into the groove 66 of the vest connector, so that the air intended to initiate weight rejection has free passage into this groove.

Fig. 12a is a top view of the bottom of a pump fitting according to the invention.

The figure shows the air passage 73 to the diving vest, two protrusions 78a, 78b that surround the groove 76, and at the bottom of the groove 76 you can see the outlet 39a from the fork 39a that provides the compressed air used to initiate weight rejection.

Fig. 12b is a bottom view of the pump fitting. The gasket 90 has been placed on the protrusions 78a, 78b only to show how the gasket operation is obtained on both sides of the groove 76.

From the above description of the vest connector 60, gasket 90 and pump connector 80 it is known that it is advantageous, among other things from a functional point of view, to design the gasket in such a way that the two surfaces of the gasket 91a, 91b that interact with protrusions 68a, 68b, 78a, 78b, are permanently attached to each other by spacers 93, which are formed between the gasket holes 92. It is further known that it is preferred that inlet 67a and outlet 39a

The air that is to initiate the rejection of the weights was placed in the grooves 66, 76, since this means that the joints of the connectors 60, 80 can be made together without having to worry about any specific way of connecting the connector in a rotational direction. Of course, this is also true for the embodiments of coupling device 17 described above.

Figures 13a and 13b show an alternative embodiment of a pocket 13 with weights 11 in which the handle 14 is designed using spring clamps to grip and hold the latch 120 on the upper side of the weight 13. Fig. 13a shows the handle 14 in a position in which weight 11 has been locked in place. Fig. 13b shows the handle in the open position in which the weight 13 has just been automatically rejected.

In this embodiment, the handle 14 is located inside the pocket 13, at its upper end, and is permanently connected to the pocket housing. The coupling mechanism 16 extends through an opening in the housing wall and is connected to the weight rejection device 15, by means of which the handle 14 can be manually locked and the weight rejection can be initiated manually or automatically.

Fig. 14a shows a detailed side view of the handle 14. The handle includes two clamps 143, 144 axially positioned with respect to the stem 140. The first clamp 143 is at one end connected to the first spring claw coupling 141a, 142a, and at the other end the first clamp 45b for the coupling mechanism 16, which in this case is a pressure cable. The second clamp 144, which has a different shape from the first clamp, is connected at one end to the other spring-loaded claw coupling 141b, 142b, and at the other end the second clamp contains a hook 48 for a housing 47 for a pressure cable 16. The clamps are also under force spring spring 147 (shown in Fig. 14b), which affects the buckles with an opening force, i.e. the spring tries to rotate the clamps around the pin in separate directions so that the claw couplings release the latch 120.

EP2 148 809

The figure shows the handle 14 in the locked position, which is known to indicate that the coupling mechanism has been tensioned, with the ends of the staples comprising respectively a hook 45b for the coupling mechanism and a hook 48 for the housing being pulled together. At the same time, the other ends, which contain claw couplings, move in directions towards each other. As is clear from the figure, it is important that there is sufficient space on the side of each clamp so that it can rotate outward and release the weight. Furthermore, it is known that claw couplings must have sufficient space to pivot outward when the handle is in the closed position to allow manual insertion and release of weights, i.e. in the closed position shown in the figure.

14b shows a top view of the handle 14. Here, the shaft 140 is shown around which clamps 143, 144 are axially arranged. The handle is attached to the pocket housing 13 through the shaft. The figure also shows the spring 147, which acts on the buckles with an opening force.

Referring to Figs. 15a-c, it will now be described how the weight is attached to the handle and how the weight will be automatically rejected. In the closed position shown in Fig. 15a, the weight latch 120 will open the claw couplings 141a, 141b when the weight is put into the pocket. As soon as the hitch is brought high enough in the hitch, the claw couplings will relax back towards each other and assume the position shown in fig. 15b, in which the weight will be held in place in the pocket. The spring force of the claw couplings is large enough that the weights remain in place even if they are subjected to relatively low downward forces due to the careless movement of the diver or when the vest is thrown to the ground during transfer. However, this spring force is no greater than the force that the diver can exert to release the weight by grasping its handle 121 and pulling it down. As you know, this is a very important function, since it should always be possible to release weights also in a conventional way. In an emergency, automatic rejection will be initiated. It should be understood that automatic rejection can also mean that it is the user himself or another person who comes to his rescue to initiate the rejection through the rejection device 15. Doing this

EP2 148 809 is described in more detail in connection with figures 16a-c. The force exerted on the pressure cable 16 will pass through the release mechanism 42 and the spring 147 will immediately open the clamps 143 and 144 so that the claw couplings will stop holding the hook 120, so that the weight can fall out of the pocket.

To prevent the risk of the plunger getting stuck in the handle, and thus interfering with operation, the handle can be placed behind a wall (not shown) separating the upper part of the pocket from the lower part intended for the weight. A small hole can be provided in the wall to allow the latch 120 to pass. The handle can also be enclosed in a housing with a corresponding latch hole. Of course, the hole must be designed in such a way that the hook does not get stuck in it, which would prevent throwing away the weights. You can also allow the wall to consist of soft bristles that will effectively prevent the pin from reaching the space around the handle, but which will give way to the hook. The wall can also consist of a flexible rubber sleeve that works in the same way. Another alternative is to place the handle in a place that covers the pocket and allows claw couplings to operate through the side walls of the pocket. In this case, the hook 120 can be formed through the grooves on the sides of the weights.

Figs. 16a-c are a side view of a weight rejection device 15 which includes a release mechanism 42. In Fig. 16a it is shown in a closed position, in Fig. 16b it is shown in a half-open position and in Fig. 16c it is shown in a fully position open, which will result in the rejection of weights from the diving vest, as described in connection with e.g. Fig. 6a, Fig. 7 and Fig.

13 and 14. Figs. 16a-c show schematically a release mechanism and show a container inside which the handle 44 is axially arranged. One end of the coupling mechanism 16 is located at the inner end of the handle 45a, the purpose of this coupling mechanism 16 is to influence the handle 14 configured to hold the weight 11 in place. In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism 16 consists of a pressure cable 16 that extends into the holder 14 through the cable housing 47. In a manner known per se, the cable housing 47 is attached by the release mechanism 42 to the housing. At the opposite end to the cable connection 48 there is a sealed space 43 inside which

EP2 148 809 has a spring-loaded piston 46. The spring exerts constant pressure on the piston 46, pushing it out of the space 43, and the end of the piston is configured to abut against the recess 49 in the handle 44, which locks the handle 44 in the closed position to eliminate unwanted activation of the release mechanism 42. The connection 41 from the coupling device 17 is further connected to the same end of the housing as said sealed space 43. This connection 41 opens on the opposite side of the piston 46 with respect to the spring, so that under pressure through the connection 41, the piston 46 will be pushed into the sealed space 43 while compressing the spring. As shown in Fig. 16b, the handle 44 will be released and begin to rotate. FIG. 16c shows the final position in which the piston 46 has been completely pushed into the space 43 and the handle 44 has been turned to its final position, whereby the handles 14 have opened and the weights have been released.

As soon as the air pressure stops via the connection 41, the piston 46 will assume the protruding position again because the spring will push it out of the space 43 again. Then the closed position of the handle 44 can be restored by simply turning it downwards, so that the piston 46 will snap into the recess again. 49 and lock the handle 44. According to a preferred embodiment, the spring inside the space 43 is strong enough to keep the handle closed to prevent unwanted release, but still soft enough for the diver to manually release the handle 44, i.e. rotate the handle 44 and thereby push the piston 46 in the opposite direction for spring force.

The skilled person will be aware that the invention should not be limited to the above examples, but that the scope of the ideas of the invention includes a large variety of components and devices having the same function and enabling the same purpose to be achieved. It is known, for example, that the actuator can be equipped with sensors and electronic regulators, such as electronic pressure sensors, timing blocks, etc. For example, it is known that the breath detector 21 may consist of a variety of devices other than those described above. An obvious modification is the placement of some type of flow detector in the flexible tube 5 or inside the breathing regulator 4,

EP2 148 809 such as a mechanical device that indicates the appearance of flow, e.g. a small rotor, the rotation of which is detected to reset the retarder 22.

It is also known that modifications can be made within the scope of the invention regarding the function of controlling and adjusting the actuator. For example, it may be desirable for the instructor conducting the training to be able to determine when to turn the device on and when not, so it is conceivable for the device to include remote activation means. This can be done in such a way that the dive manager has a (small) computer device with a display (e.g. Palm or the like) which communicates with a breathing detector connected to each breathing regulator 4, which measures an alarm signal if the diver did not breathe through his regulator for a predetermined time, and then the dive manager can activate the trigger valve 23 using a remote switch (accordingly of the same device that gives the alarm signal, e.g. the same Palm), to open it, so that the diving vest of 6 equipment that gave the alarm signal (or all equipment) would be inflated. As a result, it is known that the initiation of inflation of the diving vest 6 and the automatic rejection of weights can occur in many other ways than those described above.

It is also known that the principles of the invention can also be used in conjunction with unconventional diving equipment, such as when a diver uses a pressure tank containing only a small amount of air, and thus does not have to carry it as a backpack, but can hold it in the mouth, so that the hose connecting the pressure tank and the breathing regulator 4 is not needed. Often, such a pressure tank 1 may contain such an amount of air that it is not sufficient to ensure that the diving vest 6 is inflated. In this case, the diving vest 6 can be equipped with detachable ampules that, when initiated, inflate the vest with a suitable gas to ensure sufficient buoyancy and preferably also they will reject the weights. Of course, it is also possible to use a combination of the abovementioned elements, in which the breathing regulator 4 has an electronic connection with the actuator 8, which is able to activate the connection between the conventional pressure vessel 1 and / or the ampules according to the above. In addition, it is known that the sensor

EP2 148 809 pressure coupled to the actuator need not be able to operate mechanically, but instead an electronic pressure sensor can be used, e.g. in combination with a piezoelectric pressure sensor, controlling the air supply to the valve mechanism of the same type as the valve described above diaphragmatic 21. According to the same way of thinking, it is known that also the retarder can be configured as completely electronic, for example by incorporating a clock function that performs the desired function, also in combination with a piezoelectric pressure sensor, for example. In addition, it is known that many of these functions can be derived from existing diving computers today, which allows synergistic combinations as appropriate. Another synergistic effect is that e.g. start-up zone, delay time etc. can be easily changed in a flexible way. For training purposes, it may be desirable to provide a device that allows testing of shore operation, and thus it may be interesting to be able to manually turn on the device.

According to yet another aspect, it may be desirable to increase the actuation zone, due to some other conditions. The launch zone at a depth greater than the above may, in combination with partial inflation of the diving vest (which will lead to a slow ascent to the surface) will result in the diver being lifted to the surface instead of disappearing in the depths. Thanks to this, rescue operations can be undertaken much faster than otherwise.

According to some modification of the invention, it can be used to ensure that drowned persons are brought to the surface, which is often a strong family wish. This can be accomplished by coupling to the other functions listed an additional function that will initiate the activation of the trigger valve 23 after a certain longer period of time, such as one hour, provided that the breathing regulator 4 is not breathing and, accordingly, also provided that the pressure sensor was not in this subjected to a pressure corresponding to atmospheric pressure.

EP2 148 809

It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the automatic weight rejection function for divers who do not have a diving vest according to the invention provided with pockets offering this function. By placing pockets 13 on a belt or harness, which are also configured to accommodate the coupling mechanism 16 and the weight rejection device 15, this function can be provided to the diver. In this case, the weight rejection device is supplied with compressed air from the coupling device 17 via a separate supply hose. In this case, the supply hose is connected to the coupling device 17 via a special stub pipe, which in principle is a mirror image of the bottom 65 of the vest connector 60. The difference between this special connection and the bottom 65 is that the connection 67 to the compressed air is routed through the side of the connection to the hose connection 41. This special connection is connected to the conventional 60 'vest connector, between the latter and any of the connections 50 according to of the invention and a pump connector 80 according to the invention.

In addition, it is known that the term "connection" may include a wide range of variations of actual embodiments, such as hoses, channels embedded in a vest, or otherwise positioned, etc. In addition, it is known that many of the other mechanical components described above can be changed to other types, which provide the same functions.

EP2 148 809