WO2000034116A1

WO2000034116A1 - Device for safer diving

Info

Publication number: WO2000034116A1
Application number: PCT/HR1999/000030
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zoran Maksan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-12-10
Filing date: 1999-12-09
Publication date: 2000-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 2001-06-10
Also published as: AU3067700A

Abstract

This invention is designed as a collar or jacket (1), which can be automatically or manually activated to take a diver to the surface. It consists of an ampula or container with compressed gas (2), the electronic device for activation of the ampula based on the set time (3) and power supply battery (4). The compressed gas expands into the collar or jacket (1), which have a safety valve for superfluous gas release. Inflated collar boosts the diver's flotation taking him to the surface. The head of the diver is set in the best rescuing position.

Description

DEVICE FOR SAFER DIVING

Technical Field

On the authority of International Patent Classification the subject of the invention is classified and marked by the B 63 C symbol.

This invention helps diver to be automatically drawn to the surface if he stays under water longer that allowed. There is a possibility of setting the safe underwater staying time for every diver individually. If the person stays under water longer that anticipated, the device which is worn as a collar or jacket is signaied to activate i.e. to inflate and cany him to the surface. The device is designed for the situation when the diver can no longer independently react and the device is the only chance for him to get to the surface and be rescued or to enable other people to help him.

Background Art

Few devices or methods can help a skin-diver to rescue himself without help of other people. The only way to be rescued is either by fast emerging with foot fins or by rejecting the weights if the diver has them. The diver can have a small air tank with compressed air for a few extra inhalations. However, there is no device which would physically limit the diver's staying under the surface.

The device is based on the principle that a person can spend a limited time under water. When a diver exceeds that limited time it is assumed that something has happened (loss of consciousness or disorientation) after which the diver is no longer able to help himself. In that case it is crucial for the device to activate and carry the diver to the surface where he will regain consciousness or where other people can identify him. There may be a variety when the device sends forth a radio or smoke signal alarming others about the accident.

Disclosure of the Invention

This device is designed as a collar or jacket which can be automatically or manually inflated in order to get the diver to the surface. The invention consists of an ampula or container with compressed gas, the electronic part for activating the ampula which is based on time spent under surface,. and power supplying battery. The compressed gas is expanded into the collar or jacket which have a safety valve for releasing sup:erffiκrαs^{^}gas. The head of the diver is set in the best rescuing position. The device is used in the following way: prior to diving the diver turns the device on, makes sure it is in working order, places it around his neck and sets the maximal underwater staying time.

In the option with radio transmitter the diver checks the connection with the base unit.

Fig. 1. shows a skin-diver with the device for safer diving around his neck. The device is put on the neck in one step without impeding diver's motion under water.

Fig. 2. shows a diver drawn to the surface by the device.

Fig. 3. shows the device for safer diving. It consists of water-resistant housing (1) in which there are a container with compressed gas (2); the electronic part with gas valve (3), a storing or rechargeable battery (4). There is a display (5) and a switch-on button (6) on the housing. Compressed gas expands into an O-shaped tube (7), which is rolled up into a collar when deflated. There is a safety valve on the tube (8) for releasing the superfluous gas, which expands due to pressure decreasing during the emerging. The collar is fastened with the buckle (9).

The time is set on by the electronic device and it starts counting down form the beginning of diving until the allowed underwater staying time expires. Before the time expires the device gives a few sound signals warning the diver that the set time is up and it is time for emerging. If the person does not respond, the device is activated, the valve on the gas container is released because it is assumed there has been an accident and the diver should be taken to the surface. The device is able to transmit radio or smoke signal and warn other people. The diver can manually activate the device.

Claims

1. Device for safer diving increases diver's flotation when he exceeds diving time, drawing him to the surface. It is characterized by the collar consisting of: water resistant housing attached to the inflatable collar, which is when deflated formed into a thin rolled strap around diver's neck and fastened around the neck with a buckle; the electronic part, which measures time and depth, releases the compressed gas and shows diving data on the display; a source of compressed gas and a valve which is activated by the electronic part of the device; a storing or rechargeable battery which supply the device with power and a switch-on button; a safety valve which releases superfluous gas in case of inner- overpressure.

2. Device of claim 1. characterized by a jacket instead of collar.

3. Device of claim 1. characterized by installed radio transmitter, which sends forth an emergency radio signal after a diver is taken to the surface.

4. Device of claim 1. characterized by installed smoke source which is released on the surface in order to identify the divers position.

5. Device of claim 1. characterized by expanding container with a compound of chemicals which by chemical reaction release gas instead of the compressed gas ampula.