EP2792592A1 - Buoyancy compensating vest for underwater diving - Google Patents
Buoyancy compensating vest for underwater diving Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2792592A1 EP2792592A1 EP20140165233 EP14165233A EP2792592A1 EP 2792592 A1 EP2792592 A1 EP 2792592A1 EP 20140165233 EP20140165233 EP 20140165233 EP 14165233 A EP14165233 A EP 14165233A EP 2792592 A1 EP2792592 A1 EP 2792592A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- rear chamber
- vest
- chambers
- inflatable
- balancing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000009189 diving Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 14
- 238000010926 purge Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000009958 sewing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011105 stabilization Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003187 abdominal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000029058 respiratory gaseous exchange Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003643 water by type Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
- B63C11/02—Divers' equipment
- B63C11/04—Resilient suits
- B63C11/08—Control of air pressure within suit, e.g. for controlling buoyancy ; Buoyancy compensator vests, or the like
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
- B63C11/02—Divers' equipment
- B63C11/04—Resilient suits
- B63C11/08—Control of air pressure within suit, e.g. for controlling buoyancy ; Buoyancy compensator vests, or the like
- B63C2011/085—Buoyancy compensator vests
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a balancing vest for scuba diving and the use that is made of this vest.
- the invention relates to the general technical field of equipment for amateur or professional submarine divers using bottles containing breathable gas. It relates more particularly to the technical field of balancing vests allowing the diver to compensate for variations in buoyancy that he undergoes given the depth at which he is, the buoyancy of his suit decreasing with depth.
- a balancing vest is a comfort and safety equipment adapted to contain a variable volume of gas to balance, by buoyancy, the relative weight in water, a diver (100) and its equipment. It generally consists of an inflation chamber having a determined volume. More particularly, the body of the vest, usually made of soft canvas, defines an inflatable back shell (or chamber). An inflation and purge system inflates or empties the inflation chamber as required to adjust the buoyancy and in particular the stabilization of the diver (100) according to the depth at which it is located and allow it to manage its evolution in diving as well as its rise to the surface. Typically, the balancing vest also serves to support the diving bottle (s), and / or a rebreather type breathing apparatus, in the back of the diver (100).
- This balancing vest (101) as described in the document FR 2948093 (BEUCHAT INTERNATIONAL SA).
- This balancing vest (101) diagrammatically represented on the Figures 1 and 2 , conventionally comprises a dorsal chamber (102) able to inflate by gas injection and to deflate.
- the body of the vest is made of waterproof flexible fabric and defines a rear envelope forming the inflatable dorsal chamber.
- the plunger (100) thus has the possibility of varying the volume of gas in the dorsal chamber (102) by means of a gas cylinder (110), valves and purges, so as to ensure, without effort, the maintaining a horizontal position (especially when diving) or maintaining a vertical position (especially at the surface).
- the main purpose of the invention is to provide a balancing vest of the type described in FIG. patent document FR 2 948 093 (BEUCHAT INTERNATIONAL SA) and in which the volume of air inside the vest remains distributed on both sides of the rear surface of the vest during a roll movement of the plunger (that is to say a movement oscillating along the axis of said plunger).
- the invention also aims to provide a device / method of simple design, easy to use and inexpensive.
- the solution proposed by the invention is a balancing vest for underwater diving adapted to contain a variable volume of gas in order to balance, by buoyancy, the relative weight in water, a diver and his equipment .
- the body of the vest is made of flexible fabric and comprising an inflatable back shell.
- An inflation and purge system is adapted to inflate or empty the back shell as needed to adjust the buoyancy of the diver according to the depth to which it is located.
- This balancing vest is remarkable in that the back envelope is divided into an inflatable right rear chamber and an inflatable left rear chamber, the two said chambers being independent.
- the air can no longer move from one side to the other of the balancing vest, the air contained in the right rear chamber, respectively the rear left chamber, remaining confined to these.
- the two said chambers are independent, it is therefore impossible for the air to move from one of the said chambers to the other.
- the volume of air inside the vest remains distributed on either side of the rear surface of the vest, at the axis longitudinal of the plunger, facilitating in fact the oscillating movements of said plunger along this axis.
- the inflatable dorsal envelope is preferably made of waterproof canvas, which envelope includes a sealed separation delimiting the right and left rear chambers.
- the right and left rear chambers are each in the form of a deformable inflatable waterproof bladder, which bladders are integrated within the dorsal envelope.
- the latter comprises an overpressure protection means configured to deflate the right rear chamber and the left rear chamber when they are overpressure.
- This protection means is set up so that, in use, the pressure inside said chambers is equal to the ambient ambient pressure or remains below a maximum value that may vary between 0.1 bar and 0.3 bar with respect to the external ambient pressure.
- the balancing vest comprises a means of inflation configured to simultaneously inflate the right rear chamber and the left rear chamber. This feature also allows to distribute the buoyancy symmetrically between the right and left of the balancing vest.
- the inflation means comprises a common inflation conduit connecting said gas source to the right rear chamber. and to the left back room.
- the right and left rear chambers are preferably each provided with an air inlet port for inflating them, which orifices are each associated with a separating nonreturn valve whose function is to prevent the transfer of gas between said right rear chamber and said left rear chamber through the inflating duct.
- the air inlets, and possibly the flaps can be integrated into a housing fixed to the right and left rear chambers.
- the balancing vest comprises a means of Deflation configured to simultaneously deflate the right rear chamber and the left rear chamber. This characteristic also makes it possible to maintain a symmetrical distribution of the buoyancy between the right and the left of the balancing vest.
- the deflation means comprises a common deflation conduit connecting said purge to the right rear chamber and to the chamber back left.
- the overpressure protection means is configured to simultaneously deflate the right rear chamber and the chamber. back left.
- the inflation means, the deflation means and the overpressure protection means may each be in the form of a housing fixed to the right and left rear chambers. But preferentially, in order to simplify the design and reduce the number of parts to be fixed on the vest, the inflation means, the deflation means and the overpressure protection means, are all integrated in a common housing, which housing is attached to the right and left rear chambers.
- Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a scuba diving vest adapted to contain a variable volume of gas to balance, by buoyancy, the relative weight in water, of a plunger and its equipment, which vest comprises an inflatable right rear chamber and an inflatable left rear chamber, the two said chambers being independent, this method consisting of designing a single rear chamber inside which is disposed at least one membrane or sealed partition wall, so as to form the right rear chamber and the left rear chamber.
- the single rear chamber in the middle of which is formed at least one sealed sealing weld so as to form the right rear chamber and the left rear chamber.
- the single rear chamber is formed directly by sewing in the form of an envelope the material constituting the body of the vest or by assembling between them two layers of said material in an outline for defining a pocket.
- the underwater diving balancing vest (1) of the invention is intended to contain a variable volume of gas in order to balance, by buoyancy, the relative weight in water, the plunger (100) and his equipment.
- the goal is to control the speed of ascent and descent, as well as the stabilization between two waters at the chosen depth.
- the balancing vest (1) comprises, in a known manner, a body comprising straps, one or more belts, means for fixing one or more gas sources (10), etc.
- Each gas source (10) may be composed of a diving cylinder filled with breathable gas, a plurality of coupled dive cylinders, a rebreather respirator, or any other gas reserve suitable for use by the job.
- the body of the balancing vest (1) is made of flexible fabric.
- the body of the vest (1) is generally made of coated fabric (PVC, PU, ...) or any other similar waterproof material, for example a rubberized fabric.
- the body of the vest (1) can also be made in a non-waterproof fabric, for example polyamide fiber (nylon). In any case, the fabric constituting the body of the vest delimits an inflatable dorsal envelope.
- This balancing vest (1) is remarkable in that it comprises two rear inflatable chambers. More particularly, the back envelope is divided into an inflatable right rear chamber (2) and an inflatable left rear chamber (3), the two said chambers being independent.
- These chambers are made of the same material as the body of the vest (1) or in another waterproof material. They may for example be in the form of inflatable waterproof bladders made of PVC or PU, and integrated in a polyamide fabric, which fabric forms the body of the vest.
- rear chamber means that at least a portion of said rear chamber is arranged at the rear of the body of the balancing vest (1), other parts of said rear chamber can be arranged on the sides , on the top, on the underside or on the front of said body of said balancing vest.
- rear inflatable chambers there is a right rear chamber (2) and a left rear chamber (3). These two rooms are independent.
- independent means that the gas contained in the right rear chamber (2), respectively left (3), can not flow freely to the left rear chamber (3), respectively right (2).
- the balancing vest (1) may also comprise two abdominal chambers arranged at the front of the body.
- Each of the right (2) or left (3) rear chambers may also be divided into a plurality of inflatable sub-chambers.
- the rear right (2) and left (3) chambers can in particular be inflated by injecting gas from the gas source (s) (10).
- the right (2) and left (3) rear chambers are generally designed from sealed envelopes with a volume of 1 liter to 50 liters, see more.
- the right rear (2) and left (3) chambers are made of coated fabric (PVC, PU, etc.) or any other similar waterproof material, and may or may not be attached to the body by sewing, welding, by means of mechanical fasteners, or any other technique suitable to those skilled in the art.
- coated fabric PVC, PU, etc.
- any other similar waterproof material may or may not be attached to the body by sewing, welding, by means of mechanical fasteners, or any other technique suitable to those skilled in the art.
- Each rear right (2) or left (3) chamber can be manufactured independently and then assembled to the body of the balancing vest.
- the rooms rear right (2) and left (3) may each be each in the form of a deformable inflatable waterproof bladder, which bladders are integrated within the dorsal envelope.
- the latter is advantageously provided with a resealable opening allowing access to the interior of said envelope to accommodate the inflatable bladders.
- the inflatable back shell is made of waterproof canvas.
- This fabric is constitutive of the body of the vest (1) and delimits the dorsal envelope. The latter incorporates a sealed separation delimiting the right and left rear chambers.
- the manufacturing technique illustrated on the Figures 3 and 4 consists in designing a single rear chamber (ie the predefined dorsal envelope) in the middle of which is made at least one sealing weld (11) so as to form the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3). ).
- the single rear chamber is delimited by the material constituting the body of the vest (1).
- this single rear chamber - or dorsal envelope - is formed directly by sewing in the form of envelope material constituting the body of the vest (1). It can also be formed by joining together (by stitching or welding) two layers of the material constituting the body of the vest (1), in a contour for delimiting an envelope.
- Another manufacturing technique consists of designing a single rear chamber (as described in the preceding paragraph) inside which is disposed at least one membrane or partition of waterproof separation, so as to form the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3).
- the balancing vest (1) may include inflating means for inflating the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3).
- the inflating means is configured to simultaneously inflate the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3).
- the inflation means comprises a common inflating duct (4) connecting the gas source (10) to the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3).
- Pipe means any internal pipe to pipes, ducts, hoses, elbows, pneumatic devices such as valves, flow dividers, or other, or any other pipes through which a gas flows .
- a conduit may be composed of internal pipes to a set of elements, for example two hoses separated by a valve.
- the inflation duct (4) is, for each of the rear right (2) and left (3) chambers, in the form of a flexible duct in which circulates a gas expanded under a pressure of between 1 bar and 20 bar , connecting: the gas source (10), an expander (5), a medium pressure hose (50), a valve (8), and a low pressure conduit (80), which conduit is connected to the rear chamber right (2), respectively left (3), through a separating nonreturn valve (6, 7) condemning the transfer of gas from said right rear chamber, respectively left, to said inflation duct.
- the separation check valves (6, 7) serve to prevent the transfer of gas between the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (7) via the inflation duct (4).
- the air inlets (60) and (70) for respectively inflating the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3) are each provided with one of the separation check valves (6, 7).
- These openings (60, 70) and these valves (6, 7) can be integrated in a housing, preferably rigid, which housing is fixed on the rear right (2) and left (3) chambers, in the upper or lower part of the these last.
- the valve (8) operated by the plunger (100), makes it possible to transfer the expanded gas from the gas source (10) into the rear right (2) and left (3) chambers, the gas under pressure in the inflation duct (4) exerting on the separating nonreturn valves (6, 7) a sufficient effort to open said flaps.
- the valve (8) can be either offset relative to the vest (in which case the conduit (80) is disposed outside the vest), or integrated into said vest (in which case the conduit (80) is directly integrated into the vest ).
- This valve (8) can be actuated via a mechanical and / or electrical and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic control element (9).
- the control member (9) can be arranged at the level of the belt of the balancing vest (1), or be integrated in the body of said balancing vest, or be deported to the end of a pipe, or be arranged at any other place easily accessible by the hands of the diver (100).
- the balancing vest (1) may also include a deflation means for deflating the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3).
- the deflation means is configured to simultaneously deflate the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3).
- the deflation means comprises a common deflation conduit (11) connecting a purge (12) to the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3).
- This deflation pipe (11) can be, for each of the rear right (2) or left (3) chambers in the form of a flexible pipe at the end of which is mounted the purge (12), and connected to the back room right (2), respectively left (3), through a separating nonreturn valve (13, 14) condemning the gas transfer of said deflating duct to said right rear chamber, respectively left.
- the separation check valves (13, 14) serve to prevent the transfer of gas between the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3) via the deflation duct (11).
- the purge (12) is in the form of a valve equipped with a non-return valve so that by actuating said purge, the air contained in the right rear chambers (2) and left (3) s' evacuates to the outside environment, but opposes the penetration of the external environment into said right and left rear chambers.
- the purge (12) is preferably located in the upper part of the rear right (2) and left (3) chambers. However, it is possible to install this purge (or another purge) in the lower part of said chambers so as to evacuate the gas even when the plunger has its head down.
- Purge (12) is of the type known to those skilled in the art.
- the purge (12) can be actuated via a control member (15) mechanical, electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic.
- the control member (15) can be arranged at the level of the purge (12) or at the level of the belt of the balancing vest (1), be integrated in the body of said balancing vest or be deported at the end a pipe or cable, or be arranged at any other place easily accessible by the hands of the diver (100).
- the deflation means may be in the form of a housing, preferably rigid, fixed on the right rear chambers (2) and left (3) and which will be described in more detail in the following description.
- the housing then integrates the separation check valves (18, 19), generally in the form of a diaphragm or diaphragm valve.
- the housing also incorporates the purge (12).
- the balancing vest (1) may further include an overpressure protection means configured to deflate the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3) when overpressured.
- the overpressure protection means is configured to simultaneously deflate the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3).
- the deflation means comprises a common exhaust duct (16) connecting a safety nonreturn valve (17) to the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3).
- This duct (16) can be associated with a safety nonreturn valve (17), and be connected to the right rear chamber (2), respectively left (3), via a check valve of separation (18, 19) condemning the transfer of gas from said conduit to said right rear chamber, respectively left.
- the safety non-return valve (17) comprises a resistive element (20) exerting a force opposing the opening of said valve.
- the intensity of this force may or may not be adjustable, for example by means of a screw.
- the intensity of this force is such that the safety non-return valve (17) remains closed as long as the pressure inside the right (2) or left (3) rear chambers is less than a maximum value that can vary between 0.1 bar and 0.3 bar relative to the external pressure.
- the duct (16) is in the form of a housing, preferably rigid fixed to the right rear chambers (2) and left (3), and for obtaining simultaneous and instantaneous deflation of said chambers in case of overpressure or purge.
- This housing comprises a casing (21) arranged outside the rear right (2) and left (3) chambers.
- a right pressure relief valve (22), of the non-return valve type, is fixed on the housing (21).
- This bung comprises a collar arranged to the inside of the right rear chamber (2) so as to form a sealed connection with said chamber. This provides a tight connection between the right rear chamber (2) and the housing (21).
- a left pressure relief valve (23) is arranged in the same way at the left rear chamber (3).
- the housing also incorporates the separation check valves (18, 19), generally in the form of a diaphragm or diaphragm valve.
- the housing also incorporates the safety check valve (17) associated with the setting spring (20).
- the housing also incorporates the air inlets (60) and (70) for respectively inflating the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3).
- the housing is provided with a tip (800) for connecting the chambers (2, 3) with the low pressure conduit (80) above, which nozzle communicates with each of the orifices (60) and (70).
- These are associated with separation check valves (6, 7) condemning the transfer of gas from said right rear chamber, respectively left, to the inflation duct (80).
- the valves (6, 7) can be integrated in the limp, or be deported in the inflation duct (80). In the latter case, the conduit (80) has two separate inflation channels, each of these channels being dedicated to one of the rear chambers (2, 3) and being provided with one of the valves (6, 7).
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
Abstract
L'invention concerne un gilet d'équilibrage pour plongée sous-marine adapté pour contenir un volume variable de gaz afin d'équilibrer, par flottabilité, le poids relatif dans l'eau, d'un plongeur (100) et de son équipement, le corps dudit gilet étant réalisé en toile souple, cette toile délimitant une enveloppe dorsale gonflable, un système d'inflation et de purge étant adapté pour gonfler ou vider ladite enveloppe selon les besoins afin de régler la flottabilité dudit plongeur en fonction de la profondeur à laquelle il se trouve. L'enveloppe dorsale est divisée en une chambre arrière droite (2) gonflable et une chambre arrière gauche (3) gonflable, les deux dites chambres étant indépendantes.The invention relates to a scuba diving balancing vest adapted to contain a variable volume of gas in order to balance, by buoyancy, the relative weight in the water, of a plunger (100) and its equipment, the body of said vest being made of flexible fabric, said fabric delimiting an inflatable dorsal envelope, an inflation and purging system being adapted to inflate or empty said envelope as required in order to adjust the buoyancy of said diver as a function of the depth to which it is. The back shell is divided into an inflatable right rear chamber (2) and an inflatable left rear chamber (3), the two said chambers being independent.
Description
La présente invention a pour objet un gilet d'équilibrage pour la plongée sous-marine ainsi que l'utilisation qui est faite de ce gilet.The present invention relates to a balancing vest for scuba diving and the use that is made of this vest.
L'invention concerne le domaine technique général des équipements destinés aux plongeurs sous-marins amateurs ou professionnels utilisant des bouteilles contenant du gaz respirable. Elle concerne plus particulièrement le domaine technique des gilets d'équilibrage permettant au plongeur de compenser les variations de flottabilité qu'il subit compte tenu de la profondeur à laquelle il se trouve, la flottabilité de sa combinaison diminuant avec la profondeur.The invention relates to the general technical field of equipment for amateur or professional submarine divers using bottles containing breathable gas. It relates more particularly to the technical field of balancing vests allowing the diver to compensate for variations in buoyancy that he undergoes given the depth at which he is, the buoyancy of his suit decreasing with depth.
Un gilet d'équilibrage est un équipement de confort et de sécurité adapté pour contenir un volume variable de gaz afin d'équilibrer, par flottabilité, le poids relatif dans l'eau, d'un plongeur (100) et de son équipement. Il se compose généralement d'une chambre de gonflage ayant un volume déterminé. Plus particulièrement, le corps du gilet, habituellement conçu en toile souple, défini une enveloppe (ou chambre) arrière gonflable. Un système d'inflation et de purge permet de gonfler ou vider la chambre de gonflage selon les besoins afin de régler la flottabilité et notamment la stabilisation du plongeur (100) en fonction de la profondeur à laquelle il se trouve et lui permettre de gérer son évolution en plongée ainsi que sa remontée vers la surface. Typiquement, le gilet d'équilibrage sert également à supporter la ou les bouteilles de plongée, et/ou un appareil respiratoire de type recycleur, dans le dos du plongeur (100).A balancing vest is a comfort and safety equipment adapted to contain a variable volume of gas to balance, by buoyancy, the relative weight in water, a diver (100) and its equipment. It generally consists of an inflation chamber having a determined volume. More particularly, the body of the vest, usually made of soft canvas, defines an inflatable back shell (or chamber). An inflation and purge system inflates or empties the inflation chamber as required to adjust the buoyancy and in particular the stabilization of the diver (100) according to the depth at which it is located and allow it to manage its evolution in diving as well as its rise to the surface. Typically, the balancing vest also serves to support the diving bottle (s), and / or a rebreather type breathing apparatus, in the back of the diver (100).
On connait, en particulier, le gilet d'équilibrage (101) tel que décrit dans le document
Néanmoins, l'utilisation de ce type de gilet d'équilibrage (101) en plongée peut s'avérer gênante pendant l'évolution horizontale du plongeur (100), plus particulièrement lors des mouvements de roulis, c'est-à-dire des mouvements de rotation autour de l'axe longitudinal dudit plongeur. En effet, lors d'un mouvement de roulis, le déplacement brutal du volume d'air contenu dans la chambre dorsale (102) d'un côté ou de l'autre de ladite chambre dorsale, comme représenté sur la
On connait également par les brevets
Face à cet état de fait, l'invention a pour principal objectif de fournir un gilet d'équilibrage du type décrit dans le
L'invention a également pour objectif de fournir un dispositif/procédé de conception simple, facile d'utilisation et peu onéreux.The invention also aims to provide a device / method of simple design, easy to use and inexpensive.
La solution proposée par l'invention est un gilet d'équilibrage pour plongée sous-marine adapté pour contenir un volume variable de gaz afin d'équilibrer, par flottabilité, le poids relatif dans l'eau, d'un plongeur et de son équipement. Le corps du gilet est réalisé en toile souple et comprenant une enveloppe dorsale gonflable. Un système d'inflation et de purge est adapté pour gonfler ou vider cette enveloppe dorsale selon les besoins afin de régler la flottabilité dudit plongeur en fonction de la profondeur à laquelle il se trouve. Ce gilet d'équilibrage est remarquable en ce que l'enveloppe dorsale est divisée en une chambre arrière droite gonflable et une chambre arrière gauche gonflable, les deux dites chambres étant indépendantes.The solution proposed by the invention is a balancing vest for underwater diving adapted to contain a variable volume of gas in order to balance, by buoyancy, the relative weight in water, a diver and his equipment . The body of the vest is made of flexible fabric and comprising an inflatable back shell. An inflation and purge system is adapted to inflate or empty the back shell as needed to adjust the buoyancy of the diver according to the depth to which it is located. This balancing vest is remarkable in that the back envelope is divided into an inflatable right rear chamber and an inflatable left rear chamber, the two said chambers being independent.
Ainsi, lorsque le plongeur effectue un mouvement de roulis, l'air ne peut plus se mouvoir d'un côté à l'autre du gilet d'équilibrage, l'air contenu dans la chambre arrière droite, respectivement la chambre arrière gauche, restant cantonné dans celles-ci. En effet, les deux dites chambres étant indépendantes, il est donc impossible à l'air de se mouvoir d'une desdites chambres à l'autre. En outre, de part l'agencement des chambres, le volume d'air à l'intérieur du gilet reste réparti de part et d'autre de la surface arrière du gilet, au niveau de l'axe longitudinal du plongeur, facilitant de fait les mouvements oscillants dudit plongeur selon cet axe.Thus, when the plunger rolls, the air can no longer move from one side to the other of the balancing vest, the air contained in the right rear chamber, respectively the rear left chamber, remaining confined to these. In fact, since the two said chambers are independent, it is therefore impossible for the air to move from one of the said chambers to the other. In addition, because of the arrangement of the chambers, the volume of air inside the vest remains distributed on either side of the rear surface of the vest, at the axis longitudinal of the plunger, facilitating in fact the oscillating movements of said plunger along this axis.
D'autres caractéristiques techniques avantageuses de l'invention sont listées ci-dessous, ces différentes caractéristiques pouvant être considérées seules ou en combinaison, indépendamment des caractéristiques techniques remarquables définies ci-dessus. Les caractéristiques ci-dessous peuvent notamment faire l'objet de demandes de brevet divisionnaires.Other advantageous technical features of the invention are listed below, these different characteristics can be considered alone or in combination, independently of the outstanding technical characteristics defined above. The following features may be the subject of divisional patent applications.
L'enveloppe dorsale gonflable est préférentiellement réalisée en toile étanche, laquelle enveloppe intègre une séparation étanche délimitant les chambres arrière droite et gauche.The inflatable dorsal envelope is preferably made of waterproof canvas, which envelope includes a sealed separation delimiting the right and left rear chambers.
Dans une variante de réalisation, les chambres arrière droite et gauche se présentent chacune sous la forme d'une vessie étanche gonflable déformable, lesquelles vessies sont intégrées à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe dorsale.In an alternative embodiment, the right and left rear chambers are each in the form of a deformable inflatable waterproof bladder, which bladders are integrated within the dorsal envelope.
Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention permettant d'éviter la dégradation du gilet d'équilibrage, ce dernier comprend un moyen de protection contre les surpressions configuré pour dégonfler la chambre arrière droite et la chambre arrière gauche lorsqu'elles sont en surpression. Ce moyen de protection est réglé de sorte que, en usage, la pression à l'intérieur desdites chambres soit égale à la pression ambiante extérieure ou reste inférieure à une valeur maximale pouvant varier entre 0,1 bar et 0,3 bar par rapport à la pression ambiante extérieure.According to another advantageous feature of the invention to prevent the degradation of the balancing vest, the latter comprises an overpressure protection means configured to deflate the right rear chamber and the left rear chamber when they are overpressure. This protection means is set up so that, in use, the pressure inside said chambers is equal to the ambient ambient pressure or remains below a maximum value that may vary between 0.1 bar and 0.3 bar with respect to the external ambient pressure.
Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention permettant d'augmenter la quantité d'air contenue dans le gilet d'équilibrage et ainsi ajuster la flottabilité du plongeur durant la plongée en fonction de la profondeur, le gilet d'équilibrage comprend un moyen de gonflage configuré pour gonfler simultanément la chambre arrière droite et la chambre arrière gauche. Cette caractéristique permet en outre de répartir la flottabilité de façon symétrique entre la droite et la gauche du gilet d'équilibrage.According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to increase the quantity of air contained in the balancing vest and thus to adjust the buoyancy of the diver during the dive as a function of the depth, the balancing vest comprises a means of inflation configured to simultaneously inflate the right rear chamber and the left rear chamber. This feature also allows to distribute the buoyancy symmetrically between the right and left of the balancing vest.
Selon encore une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention permettant de gonfler simultanément les chambres arrière droite et gauche à partir d'une unique source de gaz, le moyen de gonflage comporte un conduit de gonflage commun reliant ladite source de gaz à la chambre arrière droite et à la chambre arrière gauche.According to yet another advantageous feature of the invention for simultaneously inflating the right and left rear chambers from a single source of gas, the inflation means comprises a common inflation conduit connecting said gas source to the right rear chamber. and to the left back room.
Les chambres arrière droite et gauche sont préférentiellement chacune pourvue d'un orifice d'entrée d'air permettant de les gonfler, lesquels orifices sont chacun associé à un clapet anti-retour de séparation ayant pour rôle d'empêcher le transfert de gaz entre ladite chambre arrière droite et ladite chambre arrière gauche par l'intermédiaire du conduit de gonflage. De façon à simplifier la conception et optimiser l'encombrement, les orifices d'entrée d'air, et éventuellement les clapets, peuvent être intégrés dans un boîtier fixé sur les chambres arrière droite et gauche.The right and left rear chambers are preferably each provided with an air inlet port for inflating them, which orifices are each associated with a separating nonreturn valve whose function is to prevent the transfer of gas between said right rear chamber and said left rear chamber through the inflating duct. In order to simplify the design and optimize the space requirement, the air inlets, and possibly the flaps, can be integrated into a housing fixed to the right and left rear chambers.
Selon encore une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention permettant de diminuer la quantité d'air contenue dans le gilet d'équilibrage et ainsi ajuster la flottabilité du plongeur durant la plongée en fonction de la profondeur, le gilet d'équilibrage comprend un moyen de dégonflage configuré pour dégonfler simultanément la chambre arrière droite et la chambre arrière gauche. Cette caractéristique permet en outre de maintenir une répartition symétrique de la flottabilité entre la droite et la gauche du gilet d'équilibrage.According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to reduce the quantity of air contained in the balancing vest and thus to adjust the buoyancy of the diver during the dive as a function of the depth, the balancing vest comprises a means of Deflation configured to simultaneously deflate the right rear chamber and the left rear chamber. This characteristic also makes it possible to maintain a symmetrical distribution of the buoyancy between the right and the left of the balancing vest.
Selon encore une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention permettant de dégonfler simultanément les chambres arrière droite et gauche au moyen d'une unique purge, le moyen de dégonflage comporte un conduit de dégonflage commun reliant ladite purge à la chambre arrière droite et à la chambre arrière gauche.According to yet another advantageous feature of the invention for simultaneously deflating the right and left rear chambers by means of a single purge, the deflation means comprises a common deflation conduit connecting said purge to the right rear chamber and to the chamber back left.
Selon encore une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention permettant de maintenir une répartition symétrique de la flottabilité entre la droite et la gauche du gilet d'équilibrage, le moyen de protection contre les surpressions est configuré pour dégonfler simultanément la chambre arrière droite et la chambre arrière gauche.According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention making it possible to maintain a symmetrical distribution of buoyancy between the right and the left of the balancing vest, the overpressure protection means is configured to simultaneously deflate the right rear chamber and the chamber. back left.
Le moyen de gonflage, le moyen de dégonflage et le moyen de protection contre les surpressions peuvent chacun se présenter sous la forme d'un boîtier fixé sur les chambres arrière droite et gauche. Mais préférentiellement, dans le but de simplifier la conception et réduire le nombre de pièces devant être fixées sur le gilet, le moyen de gonflage, le moyen de dégonflage et le moyen de protection contre les surpressions, sont tous intégrés dans un boîtier commun, lequel boîtier est fixé sur les chambres arrière droite et gauche.The inflation means, the deflation means and the overpressure protection means may each be in the form of a housing fixed to the right and left rear chambers. But preferentially, in order to simplify the design and reduce the number of parts to be fixed on the vest, the inflation means, the deflation means and the overpressure protection means, are all integrated in a common housing, which housing is attached to the right and left rear chambers.
Un autre aspect de l'invention concerne un procédé de fabrication d'un gilet d'équilibrage pour plongée sous-marine adapté pour contenir un volume variable de gaz afin d'équilibrer, par flottabilité, le poids relatif dans l'eau, d'un plongeur et de son équipement, lequel gilet comprend une chambre arrière droite gonflable et une chambre arrière gauche gonflable, les deux dites chambres étant indépendantes, ce procédé consistant à concevoir une unique chambre arrière à l'intérieur de laquelle est disposée au moins une membrane ou cloison de séparation étanche, de manière à former la chambre arrière droite et la chambre arrière gauche.Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a scuba diving vest adapted to contain a variable volume of gas to balance, by buoyancy, the relative weight in water, of a plunger and its equipment, which vest comprises an inflatable right rear chamber and an inflatable left rear chamber, the two said chambers being independent, this method consisting of designing a single rear chamber inside which is disposed at least one membrane or sealed partition wall, so as to form the right rear chamber and the left rear chamber.
Dans une variante de réalisation, on conçoit une unique chambre arrière au milieu de laquelle est réalisée au moins une soudure de séparation étanche de manière à former la chambre arrière droite et la chambre arrière gauche. Préférentiellement, la chambre arrière unique est formée directement en cousant sous forme d'enveloppe le matériau constitutif du corps du gilet ou en assemblant entre-elles deux couches dudit matériau selon un contour permettant de délimiter une poche.In an alternative embodiment, there is a single rear chamber in the middle of which is formed at least one sealed sealing weld so as to form the right rear chamber and the left rear chamber. Preferably, the single rear chamber is formed directly by sewing in the form of an envelope the material constituting the body of the vest or by assembling between them two layers of said material in an outline for defining a pocket.
D'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention apparaîtront mieux à la lecture de la description d'un mode de réalisation préféré qui va suivre, en référence aux dessins annexés, réalisés à titre d'exemples indicatifs et non limitatifs et sur lesquels :
- la
figure 1 représente schématiquement un gilet d'équilibrage de l'art antérieur, - la
figure 2 représente schématiquement le gilet d'équilibrage de lafigure 1 lorsque le plongeur effectue un mouvement de roulis, - la
figure 3 représente schématiquement un exemple de réalisation du gilet d'équilibrage objet de l'invention, - la
figure 4 représente schématiquement le gilet d'équilibrage de lafigure 3 lorsque le plongeur effectue un mouvement de roulis, - la
figure 5 représente schématiquement un exemple de réalisation du gilet d'équilibrage objet de l'invention, - la
figure 6 représente schématiquement un exemple de réalisation d'un moyen de dégonflage du gilet d'équilibrage objet de l'invention, -
figure 7 représente schématiquement un exemple de réalisation d'un dispositif de gonflage ou de dégonflage du gilet d'équilibrage objet de l'invention.
- the
figure 1 schematically represents a balancing vest of the prior art, - the
figure 2 schematically represents the balancing vest of thefigure 1 when the diver rolls, - the
figure 3 schematically represents an exemplary embodiment of the balancing vest object of the invention, - the
figure 4 schematically represents the balancing vest of thefigure 3 when the diver rolls, - the
figure 5 schematically represents an exemplary embodiment of the balancing vest object of the invention, - the
figure 6 schematically represents an exemplary embodiment of a means of deflating the balancing vest object of the invention, -
figure 7 schematically represents an exemplary embodiment of a device for inflating or deflating the balancing vest object of the invention.
Le gilet d'équilibrage (1) pour plongée sous-marine objet de l'invention est destiné à contenir un volume variable de gaz afin d'équilibrer, par flottabilité, le poids relatif dans l'eau, du plongeur (100) et de son équipement. Le but est de contrôler la vitesse de montée et de descente, ainsi que la stabilisation entre deux eaux à la profondeur choisie.The underwater diving balancing vest (1) of the invention is intended to contain a variable volume of gas in order to balance, by buoyancy, the relative weight in water, the plunger (100) and his equipment. The goal is to control the speed of ascent and descent, as well as the stabilization between two waters at the chosen depth.
En se rapportant aux
Ce gilet d'équilibrage (1) est remarquable en ce qu'il comprend deux chambres gonflables arrière. Plus particulièrement, l'enveloppe dorsale est divisée en une chambre arrière droite (2) gonflable et une chambre arrière gauche (3) gonflable, les deux dites chambres étant indépendantes. Ces chambres sont réalisées dans le même matériau que le corps du gilet (1) ou dans un autre matériau étanche. Elles peuvent par exemple se présenter sous la forme de vessies étanches gonflables réalisées en PVC ou PU, et intégrées dans un tissu polyamide, lequel tissu forme le corps du gilet.This balancing vest (1) is remarkable in that it comprises two rear inflatable chambers. More particularly, the back envelope is divided into an inflatable right rear chamber (2) and an inflatable left rear chamber (3), the two said chambers being independent. These chambers are made of the same material as the body of the vest (1) or in another waterproof material. They may for example be in the form of inflatable waterproof bladders made of PVC or PU, and integrated in a polyamide fabric, which fabric forms the body of the vest.
On entend par « chambre arrière » le fait qu'au moins une partie de ladite chambre arrière est agencée à l'arrière du corps du gilet d'équilibrage (1), d'autres parties de ladite chambre arrière pouvant être agencées sur les côtés, sur le dessus, sur le dessous ou encore sur l'avant dudit corps dudit gilet d'équilibrage. Parmi les deux chambres gonflables arrière, se distinguent une chambre arrière droite (2) et une chambre arrière gauche (3). Ces deux chambres sont indépendantes. On entend par « indépendantes », le fait que le gaz contenu dans la chambre arrière droite (2), respectivement gauche (3), ne puisse circuler librement vers la chambre arrière gauche (3), respectivement droite (2). Ainsi, pendant un mouvement de roulis, il est impossible à l'air contenu dans une des chambres de se mouvoir vers l'autre chambre comme schématisé sur la
Dans un mode de réalisation non représenté, le gilet d'équilibrage (1) peut également comprendre deux chambres abdominales agencées à l'avant du corps. Chacune des chambres arrière droite (2) ou gauche (3) peut également être divisée en une pluralité de sous-chambres gonflables.In an embodiment not shown, the balancing vest (1) may also comprise two abdominal chambers arranged at the front of the body. Each of the right (2) or left (3) rear chambers may also be divided into a plurality of inflatable sub-chambers.
Les chambres arrière droite (2) et gauche (3) peuvent en particulier être gonflées par injection de gaz depuis la ou les sources de gaz (10).The rear right (2) and left (3) chambers can in particular be inflated by injecting gas from the gas source (s) (10).
Les chambres arrière droite (2) et gauche (3) sont généralement conçues à partir d'enveloppes étanches ayant un volume de 1 litre à 50 litres, voir plus.The right (2) and left (3) rear chambers are generally designed from sealed envelopes with a volume of 1 liter to 50 liters, see more.
En pratique, les chambres arrière droite (2) et gauche (3) sont fabriquées en toile enduite (PVC, PU, etc.) ou en tout autre matériau étanche similaire, et peuvent être ou non fixées sur le corps par couture, soudage, au moyen d'organes d'accrochage mécanique, ou toute autre technique convenant à l'homme du métier.In practice, the right rear (2) and left (3) chambers are made of coated fabric (PVC, PU, etc.) or any other similar waterproof material, and may or may not be attached to the body by sewing, welding, by means of mechanical fasteners, or any other technique suitable to those skilled in the art.
Chaque chambre arrière droite (2) ou gauche (3) peut être fabriquée indépendamment puis assemblée au corps du gilet d'équilibrage. Les chambres arrière droite (2) et gauche (3) peuvent notamment se présenter chacune sous la forme d'une vessie étanche gonflable déformable, lesquelles vessies sont intégrées à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe dorsale. Cette dernière est dans ce cas avantageusement pourvue d'une ouverture refermable permettant d'accéder à l'intérieur de ladite enveloppe pour y loger les vessies gonflables.Each rear right (2) or left (3) chamber can be manufactured independently and then assembled to the body of the balancing vest. The rooms rear right (2) and left (3) may each be each in the form of a deformable inflatable waterproof bladder, which bladders are integrated within the dorsal envelope. In this case, the latter is advantageously provided with a resealable opening allowing access to the interior of said envelope to accommodate the inflatable bladders.
Pour simplifier la conception et s'appuyer sur des modèles existants de gilets, l'enveloppe dorsale gonflable est réalisée en toile étanche. Cette toile est constitutive du corps du gilet (1) et délimite l'enveloppe dorsale. Cette dernière intègre une séparation étanche délimitant les chambres arrière droite et gauche.To simplify the design and build on existing models of vests, the inflatable back shell is made of waterproof canvas. This fabric is constitutive of the body of the vest (1) and delimits the dorsal envelope. The latter incorporates a sealed separation delimiting the right and left rear chambers.
La technique de fabrication illustrée sur les
Une autre technique de fabrication consiste à concevoir une unique chambre arrière (comme décrit au paragraphe précédent) à l'intérieur de laquelle est disposée au moins une membrane ou cloison de séparation étanche, de manière à former la chambre arrière droite (2) et la chambre arrière gauche (3).Another manufacturing technique consists of designing a single rear chamber (as described in the preceding paragraph) inside which is disposed at least one membrane or partition of waterproof separation, so as to form the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3).
Le gilet d'équilibrage (1) peut comprendre un moyen de gonflage pour gonfler la chambre arrière droite (2) et la chambre arrière gauche (3).The balancing vest (1) may include inflating means for inflating the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3).
Dans un mode préféré de réalisation représenté à la
Sur l'exemple de la
Les clapets anti-retour de séparation (6, 7) ont pour rôle d'empêcher le transfert de gaz entre la chambre arrière droite (2) et la chambre arrière gauche (7) par l'intermédiaire du conduit de gonflage (4).The separation check valves (6, 7) serve to prevent the transfer of gas between the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (7) via the inflation duct (4).
Les orifices d'entrée d'air (60) et (70) permettant de gonfler respectivement la chambre arrière droite (2) et la chambre arrière gauche (3) sont chacun pourvu d'un des clapets anti-retour de séparation (6, 7). Ces orifices (60, 70) et ces clapets (6, 7) peuvent être intégrés dans un boîtier, préférentiellement rigide, lequel boîtier est fixé sur les chambres arrière droite (2) et gauche (3), dans la partie supérieure ou inférieure de ces dernières.The air inlets (60) and (70) for respectively inflating the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3) are each provided with one of the separation check valves (6, 7). These openings (60, 70) and these valves (6, 7) can be integrated in a housing, preferably rigid, which housing is fixed on the rear right (2) and left (3) chambers, in the upper or lower part of the these last.
La vanne (8), manoeuvrée par le plongeur (100), permet de transférer le gaz détendu issu de la source de gaz (10) jusque dans les chambres arrière droite (2) et gauche (3), le gaz sous pression dans le conduit de gonflage (4) exerçant sur les clapets anti-retour de séparation (6, 7) un effort suffisant à l'ouverture desdits clapets.The valve (8), operated by the plunger (100), makes it possible to transfer the expanded gas from the gas source (10) into the rear right (2) and left (3) chambers, the gas under pressure in the inflation duct (4) exerting on the separating nonreturn valves (6, 7) a sufficient effort to open said flaps.
La vanne (8) peut être soit déportée par rapport au gilet (auquel cas le conduit (80) est disposé à l'extérieur du gilet), soit intégrée dans ledit gilet (auquel cas le conduit (80) est directement intégré dans le gilet). Cette vanne (8) peut être actionnée par l'intermédiaire d'un organe de commande (9) mécanique et/ou électrique et/ou pneumatique et/ou hydraulique.The valve (8) can be either offset relative to the vest (in which case the conduit (80) is disposed outside the vest), or integrated into said vest (in which case the conduit (80) is directly integrated into the vest ). This valve (8) can be actuated via a mechanical and / or electrical and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic control element (9).
L'organe de commande (9) peut être disposé au niveau de la ceinture du gilet d'équilibrage (1), ou être intégré au corps dudit gilet d'équilibrage, ou être déporté à l'extrémité d'un tuyau, ou être agencé à tout autre endroit facilement accessible par les mains du plongeur (100).The control member (9) can be arranged at the level of the belt of the balancing vest (1), or be integrated in the body of said balancing vest, or be deported to the end of a pipe, or be arranged at any other place easily accessible by the hands of the diver (100).
Le gilet d'équilibrage (1) peut comprendre également un moyen de dégonflage pour dégonfler la chambre arrière droite (2) et la chambre arrière gauche (3).The balancing vest (1) may also include a deflation means for deflating the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3).
Dans un mode préféré de réalisation représenté à la
En pratique, le moyen de dégonflage comporte un conduit de dégonflage (11) commun reliant une purge (12) à la chambre arrière droite (2) et à la chambre arrière gauche (3). Ce conduit de dégonflage (11) peut se présenter, pour chacune des chambres arrière droite (2) ou gauche (3) sous la forme d'un tuyau souple à l'extrémité duquel est monté la purge (12), et relié à la chambre arrière droite (2), respectivement gauche (3), par l'intermédiaire d'un clapet anti-retour de séparation (13, 14) condamnant le transfert de gaz dudit conduit de dégonflage vers ladite chambre arrière droite, respectivement gauche. Les clapets anti-retour de séparation (13, 14) ont pour rôle d'empêcher le transfert de gaz entre la chambre arrière droite (2) et la chambre arrière gauche (3) par l'intermédiaire du conduit de dégonflage (11).In practice, the deflation means comprises a common deflation conduit (11) connecting a purge (12) to the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3). This deflation pipe (11) can be, for each of the rear right (2) or left (3) chambers in the form of a flexible pipe at the end of which is mounted the purge (12), and connected to the back room right (2), respectively left (3), through a separating nonreturn valve (13, 14) condemning the gas transfer of said deflating duct to said right rear chamber, respectively left. The separation check valves (13, 14) serve to prevent the transfer of gas between the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3) via the deflation duct (11).
La purge (12) se présente sous la forme d'une valve équipée d'un clapet anti-retour de sorte qu'en actionnant ladite purge, l'air contenu dans les chambres arrière droite (2) et gauche (3) s'évacue vers le milieu extérieur, mais s'oppose à la pénétration du milieu extérieur dans lesdites chambres arrière droite et gauche.The purge (12) is in the form of a valve equipped with a non-return valve so that by actuating said purge, the air contained in the right rear chambers (2) and left (3) s' evacuates to the outside environment, but opposes the penetration of the external environment into said right and left rear chambers.
En pratique, l'eau ambiante ne pénètre pas, ou de manière très limitée, dans les chambres (2) et (3). La purge (12) est préférentiellement située dans la partie supérieure des chambres arrière droite (2) et gauche (3). On peut toutefois prévoir d'installer cette purge (ou un autre purge) dans la partie basse desdites chambres de manière à pouvoir évacuer le gaz même quand le plongeur a sa tête vers le bas. La purge (12) est du type connu de l'homme du métier. La purge (12) peut être actionnée par l'intermédiaire d'un organe de commande (15) mécanique, électrique, pneumatique ou hydraulique. L'organe de commande (15) peut être disposé au niveau de la purge (12) ou au niveau de la ceinture du gilet d'équilibrage (1), être intégré au corps dudit gilet d'équilibrage ou être déporté à l'extrémité d'un tuyau ou d'un câble, ou être agencé à tout autre endroit facilement accessible par les mains du plongeur (100).In practice, the ambient water does not penetrate, or in a very limited way, into the chambers (2) and (3). The purge (12) is preferably located in the upper part of the rear right (2) and left (3) chambers. However, it is possible to install this purge (or another purge) in the lower part of said chambers so as to evacuate the gas even when the plunger has its head down. Purge (12) is of the type known to those skilled in the art. The purge (12) can be actuated via a control member (15) mechanical, electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic. The control member (15) can be arranged at the level of the purge (12) or at the level of the belt of the balancing vest (1), be integrated in the body of said balancing vest or be deported at the end a pipe or cable, or be arranged at any other place easily accessible by the hands of the diver (100).
Selon un mode préféré de réalisation schématisé sur la
Le gilet d'équilibrage (1) peut encore comprendre un moyen de protection contre les surpressions configuré pour dégonfler la chambre arrière droite (2) et la chambre arrière gauche (3) lorsqu'elles sont en surpression.The balancing vest (1) may further include an overpressure protection means configured to deflate the right rear chamber (2) and the left rear chamber (3) when overpressured.
Dans un mode préféré de réalisation représenté à la
Le clapet anti-retour de sûreté (17) comporte un élément résistif (20) exerçant une force s'opposant à l'ouverture dudit clapet. L'intensité de cette force peut être ou pas réglable, par exemple par l'intermédiaire d'une vis. L'intensité de cette force est telle que le clapet anti-retour de sûreté (17) reste fermé tant que la pression à l'intérieur des chambres arrière droite (2) ou gauche (3) est inférieure à une valeur maximale pouvant varier entre 0,1 bar et 0,3 bar par rapport à la pression extérieure.The safety non-return valve (17) comprises a resistive element (20) exerting a force opposing the opening of said valve. The intensity of this force may or may not be adjustable, for example by means of a screw. The intensity of this force is such that the safety non-return valve (17) remains closed as long as the pressure inside the right (2) or left (3) rear chambers is less than a maximum value that can vary between 0.1 bar and 0.3 bar relative to the external pressure.
Dans le mode préféré de réalisation représenté à la
Selon la variante de réalisation schématisée sur la
L'agencement des différents éléments et/ou moyens et/ou étapes de l'invention, dans les modes de réalisation décrits ci-dessus, ne doit pas être compris comme exigeant un tel agencement dans toutes les implémentations. En tout état de cause, on comprendra que diverses modifications peuvent être apportées à ces éléments et/ou moyens et/ou étapes, sans s'écarter de l'esprit et de la portée de l'invention.The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any case, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (15)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR1353529A FR3004695B1 (en) | 2013-04-18 | 2013-04-18 | BALANCING VEST FOR UNDERWATER DIVING COMPRISING TWO INDEPENDENT REAR ROOMS. |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2792592A1 true EP2792592A1 (en) | 2014-10-22 |
Family
ID=48745988
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20140165233 Withdrawn EP2792592A1 (en) | 2013-04-18 | 2014-04-17 | Buoyancy compensating vest for underwater diving |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2792592A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR3004695B1 (en) |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3487647A (en) | 1967-09-18 | 1970-01-06 | William F Brecht Jr | Buoyancy control for scuba diving |
EP0974514A1 (en) * | 1998-07-22 | 2000-01-26 | HTM SPORT S.p.A. | Hydrostatic balancing jacket |
EP1186529A2 (en) * | 2000-09-11 | 2002-03-13 | TECHNISUB S.p.A. | Buoyancy compensator for scuba divers |
WO2006112835A1 (en) * | 2005-04-18 | 2006-10-26 | Donahue Christopher A | Diving tank pocket buoyancy compensator with adjustable pressure valve |
US20100329794A1 (en) | 2009-06-29 | 2010-12-30 | Marks Lloyd A | Method of and apparatus for bouyancy compensation for divers |
FR2948093A1 (en) | 2009-07-01 | 2011-01-21 | Beuchat Internat | Balancing jacket for use by e.g. non-professional underwater diver for scuba diving, has dorsal element and abdominal elements independently provided with rear and front inflation chambers that are connected to breathable gas cylinder |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5221161A (en) * | 1992-05-26 | 1993-06-22 | Toy Jeffrey W | Ballast tank for buoyancy compensation |
WO2012073749A1 (en) * | 2010-12-03 | 2012-06-07 | 日本潜水機株式会社 | Buoyancy adjustment apparatus for scuba diving |
-
2013
- 2013-04-18 FR FR1353529A patent/FR3004695B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2014
- 2014-04-17 EP EP20140165233 patent/EP2792592A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3487647A (en) | 1967-09-18 | 1970-01-06 | William F Brecht Jr | Buoyancy control for scuba diving |
EP0974514A1 (en) * | 1998-07-22 | 2000-01-26 | HTM SPORT S.p.A. | Hydrostatic balancing jacket |
EP1186529A2 (en) * | 2000-09-11 | 2002-03-13 | TECHNISUB S.p.A. | Buoyancy compensator for scuba divers |
WO2006112835A1 (en) * | 2005-04-18 | 2006-10-26 | Donahue Christopher A | Diving tank pocket buoyancy compensator with adjustable pressure valve |
US20100329794A1 (en) | 2009-06-29 | 2010-12-30 | Marks Lloyd A | Method of and apparatus for bouyancy compensation for divers |
FR2948093A1 (en) | 2009-07-01 | 2011-01-21 | Beuchat Internat | Balancing jacket for use by e.g. non-professional underwater diver for scuba diving, has dorsal element and abdominal elements independently provided with rear and front inflation chambers that are connected to breathable gas cylinder |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR3004695B1 (en) | 2017-02-10 |
FR3004695A1 (en) | 2014-10-24 |
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