BE1024481B1 - Device for drying elements of a scuba - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for improving the drying of various elements constituting a scuba. The device (1) is retractable, and comprises in its lower part an easel (11) and in its upper part an extension (13) extending in the continuity of one of the branches of the bridge (11), each of the parts (11, 13) comprising a plurality of suspension means (16a, 16b, 16c, ...), the device further comprising a plate (19) and a recovery tank (18) to facilitate drying of particular elements of the scuba and retrieve the dripping water from the scuba gear.

Description

(30) Priority data:

(73) Holder (s):

BAUDINNE Philippe 7810, MAFFLE Belgium (72) Inventor (s):

BAUDINNE Philippe 7810 MAFFLE Belgium (54) Device for drying elements of an autonomous diving suit (57) The invention relates to a device for improving the drying of various elements constituting an autonomous diving suit. The device (1) is retractable, and comprises in its lower part a bridge (11) and in its upper part an extension (13) extending in the continuity of one of the branches of the bridge (11), each of the parts (11, 13) comprising a plurality of suspension means (16a, 16b, 16c, ...), the device further comprising a plate (19) and a recovery tank (18) to facilitate drying of elements individuals of the spacesuit and recovering the dripping water from the elements of the spacesuit.

BELGIAN INVENTION PATENT

FPS Economy, SMEs, Middle Classes & Energy

Publication number: 1024481 Deposit number: BE2016 / 5627

Intellectual Property Office International Classification: D06F 57/08 Date of issue: 09/03/2018

The Minister of the Economy,

Having regard to the Paris Convention of March 20, 1883 for the Protection of Industrial Property;

Considering the law of March 28, 1984 on patents for invention, article 22, for patent applications introduced before September 22, 2014;

Given Title 1 “Patents for invention” of Book XI of the Code of Economic Law, article XI.24, for patent applications introduced from September 22, 2014;

Having regard to the Royal Decree of 2 December 1986 relating to the request, the issue and the maintenance in force of invention patents, article 28;

Considering the patent application received by the Intellectual Property Office on 08/08/2016.

Whereas for patent applications falling within the scope of Title 1, Book XI of the Code of Economic Law (hereinafter CDE), in accordance with article XI. 19, §4, paragraph 2, of the CDE, if the patent application has been the subject of a search report mentioning a lack of unity of invention within the meaning of the §ler of article XI.19 cited above and in the event that the applicant does not limit or file a divisional application in accordance with the results of the search report, the granted patent will be limited to the claims for which the search report has been drawn up.

Stopped :

First article. - It is issued to

BAUDINNE Philippe, Rue du Canal 13, 7810 MAFFLE Belgium;

represented by

FRENNET Pierre-Paul, Center Monnet - Avenue Jean Monnet 1, 1348, LOUVAIN-LA-NEUVE;

a Belgian invention patent with a duration of 20 years, subject to the payment of the annual fees referred to in article XI.48, §1 of the Code of Economic Law, for: Device for drying elements of an autonomous diving suit .

INVENTOR (S):

BAUDINNE Philippe, Rue du Canal 13, 7810, MAFFLE;

PRIORITY (S):

DIVISION:

divided from the basic application: filing date of the basic application:

Article 2. - This patent is granted without prior examination of the patentability of the invention, without guarantee of the merit of the invention or of the accuracy of the description thereof and at the risk and peril of the applicant (s) ( s).

Brussels, 03/09/2018, By special delegation:

BE2016 / 5627

Device for drying out elements of an autonomous diving suit

Field of the invention

The invention relates to the field of drying devices, and in particular devices making it possible to dry diving equipment while limiting its contact with the immediate environment of the dryer.

State of the art

The importance of maintaining diving equipment such as an autonomous diving suit generally comprising a wetsuit, a mask, fins, gloves, a buoyancy compensator, a ballast and a dry and protected diving tank. Corrosive elements such as salt water are well known. Since this equipment is normally used in immersion, potentially at great depths, it is essential to maintain this equipment properly. The maintenance of this equipment includes in particular a rinsing step and a drying step subsequent to a diving session. However, the drying step can be problematic for several reasons. On the one hand, there must be a dedicated place to dry all the equipment. It is also necessary to have means for placing the various elements of the diving equipment, these means having to be correctly dimensioned and arranged in order to dry the equipment in optimal conditions and to avoid any deformation of the equipment. Finally, it must also be ensured that the material once it is dry does not come into contact with any dirty or corrosive element, in order to keep the material in good condition.

To this end, devices for drying diving equipment have been developed. By way of example, document CA2822985 describes a tripod device for drying clothes, and comprising a plurality of means for hanging or hanging clothes. The device described also comprises a motor in order to propel air within the framework of the tripod, and thus

BE2016 / 5627 allow clothes hung or hung on the tripod to dry more quickly.

This device is not suitable for drying the various elements of an autonomous diving suit, that is to say at least a diving suit, for example an isothermal suit, a mask, flippers, gloves, a stabilizing vest, a ballast and a dry diving bottle. Some of these elements cannot be hung or hung optimally to ensure their drying. In addition, when the various elements of the diving suit are placed on this device after rinsing, the tasting water of these elements falls on the ground surrounding the device. This is a major drawback when one does not have a room dedicated to drying, or not including an impermeable floor for example.

It is essential in this context to have a device capable of receiving the various elements of an autonomous diving suit, including at least a diving suit, a mask, fins, gloves, a stabilizing vest, ballasting and a dry diving bottle, a regulator, and the arrangement of these different elements allows better drying of each element, while preventing water from spilling around the device. It would also be advantageous for this device to be retractable, so as to be in a compact form when it is not in use in order to greatly facilitate its transport or storage. Finally, it would also be advantageous for this device to include means for accelerating the drying of at least part of the elements constituting the diving suit.

Summary of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device for drying diving equipment, such as elements of an autonomous diving suit, which is foldable and / or retractable, prevents the dripping of water around the device, and allows drying each of the elements on a means dedicated to it.

BE2016 / 5627

The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define preferred embodiments of the invention.

According to the invention there is provided a foldable drier for drying elements of a scuba suspended or arranged on said drier, said drier being able to be in a folded position or a deployed position, said drier comprising a frame;

- Said frame comprising a lower frame in the form of an inverted "V" in the deployed position, and the branches of the "V" of which are articulated at the top of the inverted "V",

Said dryer is characterized in that:

- Said frame further comprises an upper frame connected in an articulated manner to the top of the inverted "V", said upper frame being articulated between a position against the lower frame in the folded position, and a position above the top of the "V" inverted in the deployed position,

- The lower frame further comprises an articulated plate, said plate being articulated between a position against the lower frame in the folded position, and a position parallel to the surface on which the dryer rests in the deployed position,

- The lower frame further comprises a recovery tank, said recovery tank capable of enveloping the frame when the lower frame and the upper frame are in a folded position against each other,

- The upper frame and the lower frame each further comprising suspension means for suspending elements of the diving suit.

Indeed, thanks to the dryer according to the invention, each element of an autonomous diving suit can be placed in a suitable place allowing its drying in good conditions; large items such as the wetsuit can be hung without touching the ground; the water

BE2016 / 5627 dripping from the different elements is collected in the tank and keeps the environment around the dryer dry and clean.

Preferably, the recovery tank is pivotally connected to the lower frame so as to pivot so as to be placed under the lower frame when the dryer is in deployed mode. According to this embodiment, during deployment of the dryer, the recovery container enveloping the dryer in folded mode, is found to be directly the part of the dryer in contact with the ground, without having to move the frame on the recovery container.

Preferably, the lower frame and the upper frame consist of a set of uprights and at least one cross member, preferably at least two cross members. Such a structure allows the dryer to be light and thus facilitates its transport.

Preferably, the upper framework and the lower framework are hollow structures. This feature makes the dryer even lighter and therefore easier to transport. In a complementary manner, the upper framework and the lower framework comprise a plurality of outlet openings, said outlet openings being arranged at the level of the suspension means, and an inlet opening, preferably arranged on the lower framework . These characteristics make it possible to couple the dryer according to the invention to an air propulsion system. The supply air is introduced at the level of the lower orifice, and exits through the outlet orifices. This embodiment makes it possible to accelerate the drying of the various elements suspended on the suspension means.

Still preferably, the dryer further comprises means for blowing air, and able to cooperate with the inlet.

In a preferred version of the invention, the two branches of the inverted "V" of the upper frame consist of two uprights and two crosspieces, the crosspieces being telescopic, and the upper frame consists of two uprights and at least one telescopic crosspiece. In this

BE2016 / 5627 embodiment, the articulated plate and the collecting tank are telescopic in their respective width.

With this embodiment, the size of the dryer can be reduced as required, whether the dryer is folded or deployed.

Brief description of the figures

These aspects as well as other aspects of the invention will be clarified in the detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings of the figures, in which:

Fig.1 shows a side view of a dryer according to an embodiment of the invention in the deployed position;

Fig.2 shows a perspective view of the frame of the dryer in Fig. 1 in folded mode;

Fig.3 shows a perspective view of a dryer according to the embodiment of the invention of Fig. 1;

Fig.4 shows a perspective view of a recovery tank according to an embodiment of the invention in deployed mode.

The drawings of the figures are neither to scale nor proportioned. Generally, similar or identical elements are denoted by identical references in the figures.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

The dryer according to the invention is illustrated in particular in FIG. 1. The dryer (1) is foldable, that is to say that the dryer (1) can be in a deployed position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or in a folded position, as illustrated in FIG.

3. In the folded position, the various elements constituting the dryer (1) are arranged against each other, in order to reduce its size at

BE2016 / 5627 maximum. By length, we must understand the measurement of the distance between the base of the inverted V and the edge at the top (12) of V. By width, we must understand the measurement in the direction perpendicular to the measurement of the length.

The dryer (1) consists of two frames articulated together: a lower frame (11) and an upper frame (13). The lower frame (11) is in the form of an inverted "V" when the dryer is in deployed mode.

In other words, in the so-called deployed position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the branches of the "V" are separated from each other, and in the folded position, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the branches of the "V" are brought together to facilitate the storage of the dryer. The lower framework (11) consists of two branches (11a, 11b) hinged together at the edge of the top (12) of the "V". The two branches (11a, 11b) can be hinged together by means of, for example, a hinge, or even a plurality of hinges, arranged on the edge of the top of the "V". These elements are illustrated in figs. surrounded by circles. Alternative means can however be envisaged, such as a hinge or a clevis joint. Preferably, these means of articulation of the two branches of the lower framework (11) are hinges in plastic material of PVC type, or cylinder pivots, preferably in plastic material.

When the dryer (1) is in the folded mode, as illustrated in fig. 2, the two branches (11a, 11b) are arranged one against the other. Note that in Fig. 2, the recovery tank has not been reproduced to facilitate the representation of the frame (10). The lower frame (11) can also be defined as a folding or retractable easel. The two branches (11a, 11b) can be solid plates, for example made of wood, steel, aluminum, or molded plastic. However, in a preferred version, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the branches (11a, 11b) each consist of an assembly of lower uprights (21a, 21b) and lower crosspieces (22a,

22b). Preferably, the branches each comprise two uprights and two crosspieces. Advantageously, a lower cross member of each branch (11a, 11b) is arranged relative to the uprights (21a, 21b) so

BE2016 / 5627 to form feet (23a, 23b). The uprights (21 a, 21 b) and the crosspieces (22a,

22b) can be molded plastic, aluminum, steel, or even wood.

Preferably, the uprights (21a, 21b) and the crosspieces (22a, 22b) are hollow, and are made of plastic, such as poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC).

The upper frame (12) is articulated relative to the lower frame (11) at the edge of the top (12) of the "V". When the dryer (1) is deployed, the upper frame (13) extends above the lower frame (11), for example in the extension of one or the other of the branches (11a,

b) as illustrated in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 3. In the folded position, visible in FIG.

2, the upper frame (13) is arranged against one or the other of the branches (11a, 11b), in other words, the upper frame (13) is brought closer to the lower frame (11) to facilitate storing the dryer (1) and reducing its size, so that it can be easily wrapped by the recovery tank (18). The articulation between the two frameworks is arranged at the edge of the top of the "V", and this articulation can be identical to the articulation between the two branches (11a, 11b), namely a hinge, or even a plurality of hinges, arranged on the edge of the top of the "V", but alternative means can be envisaged, such as a hinge or a fork joint. The upper frame (13) can for example be a plate made of wood, steel, aluminum or a plastic material such as PVC.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper frame (13) consists of an assembly of upper uprights (31) and upper crosspieces (32). Preferably, the upper frame (12) comprises two upper uprights (31) and at least one upper crosspiece (32). The upper uprights (31) and at least one upper crosspiece (32) can be made of molded plastic, aluminum, steel, or even wood. Preferably, the upper uprights (31) and the at least one upper crosspiece (32) are hollow, and are made of plastic, such as poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC). Preferably, the lower frame (11) and the upper frame (13) have an identical length. By length of the frameworks, it is necessary to understand the length of the lower uprights (21a, 21b) and the upper uprights (31).

BE2016 / 5627

Still preferably, the lower frame (11) and the upper frame (12) have a similar width. By width of the frameworks, it is necessary to understand the length of the lower crosspieces (22a, 22b) and of the at least one upper crosspiece (32).

The dryer (1) also includes an articulated plate (19). This plate (19) is part of the lower framework (11). This articulated plate (19) is movably connected to the lower frame (11) so as to be disposed against the branches (11a, 11b) of the lower frame (11) when the dryer is folded, and so as to be arranged substantially parallel to the ground on which the dryer (1) is deployed. In other words, when the dryer (1) is deployed, and therefore that the easel forming the lower frame (11) is unfolded, the articulated plate (19) is substantially horizontal. This is illustrated in particular in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 3. Different means can be envisaged to allow the plate (19) to be articulated relative to the lower frame (11). By way of example, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the plate may include at its end one or more hinges connected to a lower part of a branch (11a) of the lower framework (11), while the other end of the plate (19) is connected by a rope and a pulley at an upper part of the other branch (11 b) of the lower frame (11), so as to allow the rotation of the plate (19) at the hinges, allowing the plate (19) to be arranged against one of the branches or between the branches and horizontally.

The hinged plate (19) can be a solid plate, or preferably a plate with through openings allowing water present on an upper surface of the plate to drip. This articulated plate makes it possible to have a flat surface on the dryer in order to store there the most delicate elements of an autonomous diving suit which must in no case rest on the ground, such as the mechanical elements of the mixer of a diving suit autonomous, the respirator, even the diving tanks. Thus, these elements can dry without being in contact with dust.

BE2016 / 5627

In an alternative version of the invention, it is possible to envisage the presence of a plurality of articulated plates in order to have a larger surface for drying the fragile elements of an autonomous diving suit. The articulated plate (19) can for example be made of wood, steel, aluminum, or preferably plastic material of the PVC type. Preferably, the plate (19) may include flanges in order to reduce the risk of falling objects placed on its upper surface.

The dryer (1) also includes a recovery tank (18). This recovery tank is in particular illustrated in detail in FIG. 4. By recovery tank (18), it is necessary to understand an element comprising at least a bottom and rims so as to recover and store a liquid dripping inside. Such a container (18) will preferably be made of plastic, such as for example poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC), but other materials are possible (steel, aluminum for example). Preferably, the recovery tank is a box in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped when the recovery tank is closed, the tank being composed of two parts (181, 182) connected mobile in rotation, for example via hinges (184), along a length or a width, so that, when the tank (18) is open, the two parts (181, 182) have their largest surface against the ground, their walls extending upwards. This is for example illustrated in FIG. 4.

According to a general embodiment of the invention, the recovery tank (18) envelops the frame (10) when the latter is in folded mode. The recovery tank (19) can for example be a box of rectangular parallelepiped shape, or in other words a container with rigid walls opening in two parts (181, 182), as illustrated in FIG. 4. When the frame (10) is to be deployed, the collecting tank is opened, and the frame is placed on the collecting tank, so as to recover the water dripping from the elements suspended on the dryer.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the recovery tank (18) is hingedly connected to the lower frame (11). That is to say, when

BE2016 / 5627 the dryer (1) is folded, the tray is placed against the lower frame (11), so as to reduce the overall dimensions of the dryer (1) as much as possible, and when the dryer (1) is deployed, the recovery tank (19) pivots relative to the lower frame so as to deploy under the lower frame (11), so as to recover the dripping water from the various elements suspended or disposed on the dryer (1) . For example, the tank can be connected in a mobile and rotating manner to a lower part of a branch (11 a or 11 b) of the lower framework, on the external part of the branch (11 a or 11 b), via hinges or cylinder pivots arranged at the feet (23a or 23b) of the lower frame (11). More specifically, the recovery tank (18) can be connected to the feet (23a or 23b) of one of the branches of the lower frame by a cylinder pivot. The recovery part of the tank is then oriented towards the frame of the dryer (1) when the latter is folded. After rotation and unfolding of the dryer, the recovery part of the tank is then oriented towards the top of the dryer. Of course, similar means can also be used.

Alternatively, a translational displacement system can be envisaged to articulate the tank relative to the lower frame (11). Rails can be present on the sides of the tank, inside the recovery part of the tank, and projecting parts capable of cooperating with the rails can be arranged on either side of a branch (11 a or 11 b) of the lower framework (11), preferably near the feet (23a, 23b). The recovery part of the tray is then oriented towards the frame of the dryer (1) when the latter is folded, and after translation of the recovery tank (19), the recovery part of the tray is then oriented upwards on the dryer.

The recovery tank (19) must have a length and a width greater than that of the lower framework and of the lower framework in order to cover the whole of the soil being under a dryer element once the dryer has been deployed, and wrap it when the assembly is in folded mode. In other words, the recovery tank (19) has a width greater than the largest width of the lower frame (11) or the upper frame (12).

BE2016 / 5627

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the recovery tank (19) can also comprise rollers (185), and / or a handle (183) in order to facilitate the transport of the dryer when it is in folded up.

The dryer (1) also comprises a plurality of suspension means (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16th) in order to suspend different elements of an autonomous diving suit, such as gloves, fins or slippers, mask,

Preferably, these suspension means are arranged towards the outside of the dryer (1), on the lower framework (11) and on the upper framework (12), as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. These suspension means can be hooks, clamps, tubes extending away from the frame. Additionally, when the frames of the dryer are hollow means, the suspension means can also be hollow, the light of the suspension means being in relation to the light of the frames to which the suspension means is connected. When these elements are hollow, outlet orifices may be present at the level of the suspension means, and an inlet orifice may be arranged on the upper framework (12) or preferably on the lower framework (11). Thus, it is possible to couple the dryer (1) according to the invention to a propulsion, or blowing, air system, in order to accelerate the drying of the elements disposed on the outlet orifices. As an example, a mechanical blower connected by a tube to the outlet is conceivable. According to this embodiment, the hollow frameworks each comprise a continuous lumen, in order to allow the passage of air freely inside the frameworks.

According to a preferred version of the invention, the lower frame (11), the upper frame (13), the articulated plate (19) and the recovery tank (18) have a modular width. This makes it possible to further reduce the size of the dryer (1) when it is folded, but also when it is deployed, for example because when the plunger has not used all of the elements of his suit. For example, the crosspieces (22a, 22b, 32) can be telescopic elements, for example a plurality of tubes having a different diameter and interlocking in translation so as to be able to increase

BE2016 / 5627 or reduce the length of the sleepers. The articulated plate (18) and the recovery tank (19) may each comprise two parts movable in translation according to their respective width, for example a plate fitting into another plate, or two sliding plates, one relative to the 'other in their widths.

The present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, which have a purely illustrative value and should not be considered as limiting. In general, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated and / or described above. The presence of reference numbers in the drawings cannot be considered to be limiting, including when these numbers are indicated in the claims.

The use of the verbs "to understand", "to include", "to include", or any other variant, as well as their conjugations, cannot in any way exclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned.

The use of the indefinite article "a", "an", or of the definite article "the", "the" or "I", to introduce an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of these elements.

The invention can also be described as follows:

The invention relates to a device for improving the drying of various elements constituting an autonomous diving suit. The device (1) is retractable, and comprises in its lower part a bridge (11) and in its upper part an extension (13) extending in the continuity of one of the branches of the bridge (11), each of the parts (11, 13) comprising a plurality of suspension means (16a, 16b, 16c, ...), the device further comprising a plate (19) and a recovery tank (18) to facilitate drying of elements individuals of the spacesuit and recovering the dripping water from the elements of the spacesuit.

BE2016 / 5627

Claims (10)

Claims 1. Foldable dryer (1) for drying elements of a scuba suspended or arranged on said dryer (1), said dryer (1) being able to be in a folded position and in a deployed position, said dryer (1) comprising a frame (10); - Said frame (10) comprising a lower frame (11) in the form of an "V" inverted in the deployed position, and whose branches (11a, 11b) of the "V" are articulated at the top (12) of the inverted "V", Said dryer (1) being characterized in that: - Said frame (10) further comprises an upper frame (13) hingedly connected to the top (12) of the inverted "V", said upper frame (13) being articulated between a position against the lower frame (11) in folded position, and a position above the top (12) of the inverted "V" in the deployed position, - The lower frame (11) further comprises an articulated plate (19), said plate (19) being articulated between a position against the lower frame (11) in the folded position, and a position parallel to the surface on which refits the dryer (1) in the deployed position, - The lower frame (11) further comprises a recovery tank (18), said recovery tank (18) capable of enveloping the frame (10) when the lower frame (11) and the upper frame (13 ) are in a folded position against each other, - The upper frame (12) and the lower frame (11) each further comprising suspension means (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e) for suspending elements of the diving suit. 2. Dryer (1) according to claim 1, the recovery tank (18) being further connected in an articulated manner to the lower frame (11) so as to be deployed under the frame (10) when the dryer is in deployed mode. 3. dryer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the branches (11a, 11b) of the lower frame (11) consist of a BE2016 / 5627 assembly of at least two lower uprights (21a, 21b) and at least two lower crosspieces (22a, 22b). 4. dryer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper frame (13) consists of an assembly of at least two upper uprights (31) and at least one upper crosspiece (32 ). 5. Dryer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper frame (13) is a hollow frame. 6. Drier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower frame (11) is a hollow frame. 7. dryer (1) according to claim 5 and / or claim 6, characterized in that the suspension means (16a, 16b, 16c, ...) each comprise an outlet orifice, and in that the framework lower (11) and / or the upper framework (13) comprise an inlet orifice. 8. Dryer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper frame (13), the lower frame (11), the articulated plate (19) and the recovery tank (18) have modular width. 9. dryer (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the branches (11a, 11b) of the lower frame (11) each consist of at least two lower crosspieces (22a, 22b), and the frame upper (13) consists of at least one upper cross member (32), the said cross members (22a, 22b, 32) being telescopic cross members, and in that the articulated plate (19) and the recovery tank (18) each consist of at least two parts movable in translation according to their widths. 2016/5627 BE2016 / 5627 10. Dryer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recovery tank (18) is a rectangular parallelepiped when the recovery tank is folded. BE2016 / 5627