WO2005032934A1

WO2005032934A1 - Adaptable safety device for diving equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2005032934A1
Application number: PCT/FR2004/002448
Authority: WO
Inventors: Béchara Naccache
Original assignee: Naccache Bechara
Priority date: 2003-10-03
Filing date: 2004-09-28
Publication date: 2005-04-14
Also published as: FR2860491A1; EP1670679A1; FR2860491B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an adaptable safety device for buoyancy compensators and diving suits, said device being characterised in that each buoyancy compensator comprises a receiving element on the air release valve (2A) or another region that communicates with the air chambers, forming a plug from which three specific lines (A, B, C) extend, two of the lines (A, B) being provided with female coupling end means, and the third line (C) being provided with a male coupling end means. The inventive device also comprises a connection line for connecting the two buoyancy compensators of a rescuer and a diver in difficulty by coupling the third male end line of the diver in difficulty to one of the female end lines arranged on the compensator of the rescuer, in order to enable a homogeneous and simultaneous distribution and circulation of air of the two compensators, or release of air from the control system arranged on the compensator of the rescuer or the diver in difficulty, by the rescuer.

Description

ADAPTABLE SAFETY DEVICE ON DIVING EQUIPMENT

The invention relates to the technical sector of equipment and materials used in scuba diving and in particular stabilizing vests (stablizing jackets), more commonly called "stab" in France, and diving suits.

More particularly, the invention relates to devices and equipment for maintaining constant volume for balancing the diver at different depths or for assisting the ascent, so-called divers, in emergency situations:

Each diver has the obligation to wear a stabilizing vest which is arranged with one or more chambers filled with air which can constitute ballast and which are either inflated or purged in whole or in part by associated purging means according to the ascent operations. on the surface or descent into the seabed. The inflation and bleeding operations are carried out, for the first time, using any known suitable means, for example valves which are distributed over the surface of the vest in order to allow the evacuation of the air.

The stabilizing vests thus proposed on the market internally have one or more chambers which are in communication and which are arranged on their periphery to allow, by an appropriate distribution of air, a fair balance of pressures and a perfect resistance in balance in water. Generally, said vests include three traps, two traps in the upper part and a trap in the lower part.

The waterproof suit (used by very good divers or instructors) has waterproof sleeves at the wrists of the neck and sometimes the legs, as well as waterproof zippers. The neoprene or the plastic used for its production is waterproof when inflated. It is the suit that acts as a buoyancy compensator. Are mounted on the fabric of the suit all the aforementioned purges with in addition a connection for conduit called "Direct system".

Everyone knows that scuba diving requires very strict safety conditions, especially during the ascent via decompression stops. However, there are many accidents due to the difficulty in controlling these different levels but also due to syncope, narcosis, shortness of breath, panic or other situations.

Taking into account the material and equipment offered on the market today, divers have the obligation to undergo rescue training to help divers in difficulty. This assistance consists in controlling the behavior of the diver in difficulty and in associating with him to ensure his ascent to the surface of the water by respecting specific criteria of slow ascent speed to avoid the occurrence of a decompression accident, but also in the shortest time to allow rapid intervention on the surface or out of the water. This procedure is called the 'ASSISTED LIFT'. Thus, the rescuer must maintain the regulator of the diver in difficulty in the mouth, hang the latter and block it against his body, inflate the victim's stabilizing vest to take off from the bottom and ensure the ascent, inflate his own vest to take off from the bottom. It is necessary to manage the inflation of the two vests, that of the rescuer and that of the diver in difficulty, to ensure a slow, gradual and homogeneous ascent of the two people. In the event of acceleration of the ascent, purge the vest which tends to pull the binomial thus constituted upwards. On the other hand, an excessive purging of one or the other of the vests, leads to an increase in the binomial and obliges the rescuer to frantically freak with increased risk of shortness of breath. You must then re-inflate the vest to go back up again. In addition, in an environment where one easily loses the notion of ascent, especially in open water, due to the lack of visual cues, and in a very difficult moment with intense stress, errors are frequent. The rescuer must therefore best manage, in difficult circumstances, a certain pressure balance between the two vests. Ideally, the purge by successive small touches, should be the main management of the air in the vest during an ascent, whether assisted or not. These repeated purges have the effect of compensating for the increase in buoyancy of the vest, caused by the relaxation of the air contained therein, due to the drop in surrounding pressure, until it finally reaches the surface of the 'water. But a perfect ascent is very difficult to achieve. In summary, there are too many parameters to manage for the rescuer in addition to the rescue he performs.

"Assisted ascent" is mainly taught during technical dives. In the opinion of the majority of divers, once the level exam is passed, just after the training period, the diver "Lambda" does practically no more technical dives, but essentially exploration dives. As a result, he loses the habit and synchronization of gestures for said "assisted ascent". The reason for the little training after passing the level exam is that the repeated exercise during the same dive is not without risk for the instructors. They commonly call it "yoyo". They legitimately tend to minimize the number of exercises.

This situation is particularly difficult and delicate to manage and is facilitated or above all upset by the attitude of the struggling diver who can struggle. The rescuer must therefore manage this situation as well as possible. It is obvious that it happens that, when the diver in difficulty becomes "untenable", the rescuer is called upon to stop his assistance with all the dramatic consequences that we can guess.

Clubs .de Diving provide training ^very extensive learning to master these situations that one is experiencing rescuer or injured diver.

The applicant's approach was therefore, on the basis of this observation, to seek and imagine a solution which could constitute an assistance device, easy to implement, and which facilitates the intervention of the rescuer, by placing him in a familiar situation of inflating-purging gestures, enabling it to reduce the number and complexity of manipulations, and therefore to reduce, by this wax, the intensity of the stress inherent in this rescue maneuver. Another aim sought after according to the invention was to design a safety device which can be integrated into all BCs, or diving suits, at the time of manufacture with moderate additional cost.

Another object sought after according to the invention was to design a safety device which can be adapted to all BCs, diving suits, currently on the market without causing major design changes and therefore having a reasonable additional cost accessible to all .

Another aim sought after according to the invention was to arrange the stabilizing vests with the safety device while ensuring the double situation and function in situation of rescuer or diver in difficulty.

Another goal sought was to create a bonding process which allows the rescuer, in the event that it is impossible to rescue the victim, and in the event of danger created by the uncontrolled reactions of the said victim, to escape quickly and easily, simply by s moving away from her without having to do anything else.

These and other objects will be achieved by the invention.

In the context of the following description, the general term of diving clothing will be used to identify both buoyancy compensators and wetsuits. According to a first characteristic of the invention, the safety device adaptable to buoyancy compensators and scuba diving suits, said vests being of the type including air chambers, purges, in particular a slow high purge, a high purge rapid and a low purge, a pipe forming part of the air circuit called "DIRECT SYSTEM" one end of which has a member in communication with a nozzle receiving means for controlling air or purging, said nozzle being connected by a pipe ringed at the top purge, each purge comprising a part forming an inserted ring and integral with the vest and a plug for sealing and sealing, is remarkable in that each stabilizing vest comprises from the purge or other place in communication with the air chambers, a plug forming a plug arranged to allow the departure of three specific conduits, two of the conduits having coupling end means ent female, and the third conduit, a male coupling end means, and in that said device includes a connection of the two life jackets of a rescuer and a diver in difficulty by coupling the third conduit to the female ends arranged on the life jacket, with one of the ducts at the end of the diver in difficulty, in order to allow a homogeneous and simultaneous air distribution and circulation of the two vests or- evacuation of air from the control placed on the vest of the rescuer or diver in difficulty, and by said rescuer.

These characteristics and others will emerge clearly from the following description. To fix the subject of the invention illustrated in a nonlimiting manner in the figures of the drawings where:

- Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a stabilizing vest arranged with a safety device of the invention, - Figure 2 is a schematic rear view according to Figure 1 of said vest. - Figure 3 is a top view of a schematic nature to identify the establishment of different means. - Figure 4 is a view of two buoyancy compensators according to the device of the invention, point B being fixed on the strap of the vest located to the right of the drawing, and point C being located at the end of a pipe ensuring it sufficient mobility to connect, either with point A or with point B. - Figures 5 and 6 are schematic views, in section, illustrating a first implementation of the connection of the male connection means - female of the safety device according to the invention, - Figures 7 and 8 are views illustrating an alternative embodiment of the connection device according to the invention. - Figures 9A-9B are views of a third alternative embodiment, before and after assembly. - - Figure 10 is a partial view of the BC in rear view with the representation of the purges and in particular before mounting the slow purge. - Figure 11 is a partial view on a large scale illustrating in section the slow purge and the integration of a connector allowing the implementation of the invention.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

It is therefore necessary to expose the device of the invention. This applies first of all to any BC, diving suit, including air chambers and traps in number corresponding to said chambers. For the understanding of the invention, the application of the device to a BC has been illustrated, a similar arrangement applying to the suit. Thus, there is represented by (1) the vest taken as a whole with a backrest part (la), carrying straps (1b), an abdominal belt (le) also including in a known manner any abdominal, pectoral or Similar.

The buoyancy compensator is conventionally equipped with three purges, a slow high (2A) on the left, a fast high on the right in the back (2B), and a fast low (2C) on the right in the back, appropriately arranged , which are capable of allowing, after actuation, the evacuation of air from the chambers and other air filling zones ensuring the ballast function. The vest also includes, from the bottle of compressed air (3) or mixture of respiratory gases, the first stage of a regulator (4), a pipe (5) _^ forming part of the air circuit called "DIRECT SYSTEM ", one end of which is connected to a member (7) receiving means for controlling the sending of air (7a or 7b or 7c) or purge (7c). This member (7) is also connected by a corrugated pipe (9) to the high slow drain (2A) provided on the vest. Each purge comprises in known manner a part forming a threaded ring introduced and integral with the vest and a plug for sealing and sealing.

According to the invention, the safety device includes means which can be connected from the aforementioned slow bleed (2A), and this to avoid any modification of the stabilizing vests on the market. As a variant, said means could be autonomous with respect to the abovementioned purges while being in communication with the air chambers established in the vest. Thus, the drain (2A) comprises a plug forming a plug which is arranged to allow the departure of three complementary conduits specific to the invention, in addition to the corrugated conduit (9). Thus, the three specific conduits comprise two of the conduits having so-called female coupling end means, and the third conduit having a male coupling end means. As regards the first two conduits, the first is located in the back part of the stabilizing vest, while the second is positioned on the front part of the stabilizing vest. Anchor points (A - B) are thus defined which will be explained later in the description. The third conduit is free at its end and leaves the purge (2A) by presenting at the end a male coupling means (C).

Thus, said garments include air chambers and purges, in particular a slow high purge constituted by the assembly (2A) (9) and (7), a high rapid purge (2B) and a rapid low parge (2C) , a pipe (5) forming part of the air circuit (4) called "DIRECT SYSTEM". One end (5a) of the latter is connected to the chamber 'medium pressure' of the first stage of the regulator and receives compressed air from the diving tank, and the other end is coupled, by means of a quick coupling device (5b), to a multifunction member (7) serving to management of the air contained in the vest. This member receives inflation or purging means. The inflation takes place thanks to the air supplied by the "Direct System" by pressing a control (7a) which releases the pressurized air contained in the "direct system" pipe, sends it into the corrugated pipe (9 ), then in the BC, through the slow drain connection (2A). This member (7) can also receive, directly the air contained in the lungs of the plunger, by a nozzle adapted to the mouth of the plungers (7b). In this case a button (7c) opens the air circuit, and allows it to pass through the corrugated pipe and then follows the same path as in the previous case. The purge function is done by pressing the button (7c) which then releases the air contained in the corrugated pipe which is itself connected by the high slow purge (2A) to the air chamber device of the vest or suit waterproof.

Each buoyancy compensator is thus arranged by integrating into the known equipment these three conduits at the coupling ends (A - B - C). In the context of the invention and with respect to the objective sought to allow a connection between a rescuer diver and a diver in difficulty, it is understood that there will be a need to proceed with a coupling operation of the conduit whose end (C) comprises male connection means, to one of the conduits whose ends (A - B) are arranged with female connection means in order to define a closed circuit. The choice of connection on the end (A) or (B) depends in practice on the positioning of the rescuer in relation to the diver in difficulty. The male and female designation is given by the shape of the connection pieces, or one of the pieces has a projection, the male piece, which projection, at the time of connection is partially surrounded by a sleeve belonging to the complementary piece called piece female.

The gesture of use also makes it possible to define the kind of parts, male or female, according to the use which is made of it. In this case, the male end (C) is mobile and fixed to the end of an air duct of certain length (6), while the female ends (A) or (B) are fixed to the garment. and receive the male part.

In the present description of the invention, by convention, the connecting piece whose gestural use is qualified as male (C) will be that which includes a projection. Conversely and by convention, the parts whose gesture of use is qualified as female, (A) or (B), are those which comprise a sleeve coming to partially or completely surround the male part.

It is quite possible, to use a male shaped part on the locations, (A) and (B), whose gestures are qualified as female, and conversely to use a female shaped part on the location, (C), whose gestures are qualified as male.

There is shown in Figures 10 and 11, an example of the intercalation of the ring forming the start of the invention, between the usual elements of the purge (2 A) (in the case of an adaptation on a diving suit existing). Usually, the vest includes a wall (Id) integrating at the level of the directly formed or attached purge, a threaded ring (le) capable of receiving the purge device (2) having a complementary threaded part (2.1). In the implementation of the invention to more particularly adapt to existing vests or combinations, it is reported a specific fitting (24) from which will be provided the outlets of the pipe, where specific pipes of the invention. That of the corrugated pipe having as its starting point the aforementioned purge device (2). Thus, the connector (24) has a cylindrical, externally threaded lower seat (24a) which adjusts to the internal thread of the ring (le), and an upper seat (24b) of larger diameter, internally threaded to receive and allow fixing and connecting the purge device (2). The various conduit outlets (24d) are described in a nonlimiting manner below. They can be arranged radially on this fitting, in extension of one or more fixed openings, between the two threads, external and internal, mentioned above. They can also be fixed on a single outlet coming from the median zone of the fitting, the derivation towards the devices of the invention females [(A) and (B)] and male (C) taking their origin on a fitting external to this intermediate connection (24). This connection is obtained by molding and integrates perfectly with the drain. ,

Thus, the invention therefore relates to the integration, in each stabilizing vest, of a safety and rescue device whose function is to ensure the connection of the two stabilizing vests of the rescuer and the diver in difficulty, in order to allow a homogeneous and simultaneous air distribution and circulation in the two gilejs, or partial evacuation, thanks to a single control placed on the life jacket, or the diver in difficulty, by the only rescuer, and this by connection appropriate sub-assembly conduits associated with each vest to interconnect them and allow the circulation of the air fluid or its evacuation in order to harmonize the pressures in the two vests.

More particularly, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings, the safety (D) and rescue device includes, for each vest, sub-assemblies (Dl - D2) which are connected at one end to a socket. air or purge of the vest concerned by an associated connection and the other end of which receives a means of coupling and male and female connection with a complementary female and male means disposed on the other vest. Each vest advantageously has two identical sub-assemblies (D1) with a female coupling means and a single sub-assembly (D2) with a male coupling means.

In other words, each sub-assembly (Dl - D2) comprises a flexible duct (6) of great length allowing the passage and circulation of air. Each duct has an end (6a) capable of adapting to the air intake or bleeding of the vest, either by a specific equivalent and new arrangement of the bleeding plug, or by the introduction of one of the pockets. jacket air, sealing means ensuring protection and connection. The other end (6b) of the hose includes the means for coupling and communicating the two flexible conduits of the two associated vests. In other words, the positioning of the end (6a) of each duct (6) is established so that from air distribution commands, requested by the plunger, the air can circulate in the chambers of the two vests. According to the invention, the coupling of the means arranged at the ends (6b) of the conduits makes it possible to ensure the opening and continuity of the air circuit and the air distribution. When said means are not coupled, the flexible conduits are not in communication with the outside environment.

Three embodiments of said means are described below, illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 9A-9B.

There is shown in Figures 5 and 6, an implementation of the female and male subassemblies (Dl - D2) of the device, in a temporary assembly by mechanical coupling. Said male sub-assembly (D2) includes a ring (10) profiled with a central flange (10a) with, on one side, a cylindrical surface (10b) on which is fitted the end (6b) of the conduit flexible and, on the other side, a cylindrical seat (10c) receiving in fixing a profiled sleeve (11) thus having a complementary part (l ia) of fixing and a front part (11b) of release allowing, after installation , the delimitation of an interior room (Cl). The inner front face (l ie) of said sleeve has a recess or circular groove (11 d). The ring (10) has internally a shoulder cavity (10e) allowing the position and the guiding of a piston (12) associated with a return means (13) of the coil spring type. Said piston (12) has at the rear a head (12a) having a collar (12b) with circular groove (12c) for the reception of a seal (14a) capable, in the event of non-stress (figuje 5 ), to enter the throat (l ld). The return means (13) has one end (13a) bearing against the rear face of the flange of the piston, while the other end (13b) comes to bear on the seat part (10e) of the shoulder cavity. In a non-stressing situation corresponding to the expansion phase of the return means, the piston head projects beyond the transverse plane of the end of the sleeve (11), the latter closing off, by its collar and seal, the access to said interior chamber. Said sleeve (11) has, on its outer peripheral surface, a groove (1 lf) receiving an O-ring (14b) substantially protruding sealing. The front face of the sleeve can be chamfered (10g).

Said female sub-assembly (Dl) comprises a ring (10) similar to that of the sub-assembly (Dl) as well as a piston (12), a return means (13) and a seal (14a). A sleeve (15) is attached and secured to said ring (10) with a complementary fixing (15a) and a front part (15b) with the delimitation of a chamber (C2) for air circulation and also of similar design in its shape and structure to the sleeve (11) to allow reception of said piston and its return means. Said sleeve (15) is distinguished by the fact that it has, in the front part, an extension (15c) with elastic deformation capacity so as to adjust to the sleeve (11) during the coupling of the two subassemblies male female (D2 - Dl). Said sleeve (15) has, at the end, an inner bead (15d), projecting from snapping behind the O-ring (14b). An O-ring (16) arranged from the front face of one of the sleeves (11 or 15) makes it possible, as shown in FIG. 5, to obtain a seal during the coupling of the two subassemblies relative to the 'outside. The bringing together of the two sub-assemblies causes the contact of the two pistons which will move in retraction in their housing, against the elastic return means which will be compressed by releasing and releasing the front opening (l lh - 15e) established on the two sleeves with a communication between the two chambers (Cl - C2) for the passage of air. It should be noted that the central flange formed on the two pistons does not come into abutment directly against the front face of the ring (10) so as to allow the passage of air. Thus, only the coupling of the two subassemblies makes it possible to define a single and continuous circuit of air distribution between the two stabilizing vests.

An alternative embodiment of said subsets (Dl - D2) is shown in Figures 7 and 8, in the context of a magnetic type connection. In this implementation, we find the configuration of the rings (10), the sleeve (11), the piston (12), the return means (13), and seal (14). Around said rings are arranged two sleeves (17) of identical shape with a rear part (17a) secured in any suitable manner in a removable manner or not on the front part of the above-mentioned rings (10). Said sleeves (17) thus include, on the front end face (17b), a central opening (17c) for the passage of the piston heads, as well as a groove (17d) formed internally on said front face for the reception of seals sealing (14a). In this implementation, two bodies (18 - 19) are arranged around each of said subassemblies which are arranged on their front face to receive said complementary magnetization means (20) so that after approaching and contacting the pistons a bond formed by magnetization is obtained. A seal (21) is also arranged on the front face of the sleeve (17) to ensure leaktight contact with the opposite face of the other sleeve (17). This seal can also be placed, more simply, on the periphery of the sleeve (21a), and ensuring sealed contact by coaptation with the internal face of the sleeve of the complementary part (18) during connection by magnetization. In this implementation, the subsets (Dl - D2) are identical.

FIGS. 9A-9B show a third variant for coupling the subassemblies (Dl - D2) and this by forced fitting. We always find the essential components ring (10), sleeve (11), piston (12), sealing means (14), return spring (13). In this embodiment, the coupling-is effected by a fitting of two conical bodies (22 - 23) integral with the sleeves (11) having conical male-female nesting profiles (22a - 23a) thus making it possible to simplify the embodiment subset technique.

On one of the sleeves is fitted and glued a part forming a truncated cone, and molded rubber with, in high relief, a half O-ring (22b), molded directly on the frustoconical part. On the other sleeve, and finds a complementary frustoconical rubberized part, fixed in the same way on the sleeve, and which at the end has a return (23b). This complementary part is, at its free end, a return for blocking the two engaged parts.

We have thus described three examples of implementation of temporary coupling of ^' sub-assemblies (Dl - D2), this quick-mounting coupling allowing only the completion of the complete and ^' single air distribution circuit between the two vests. In order not to interfere with the use of stabilizing vests in a normal non-stressing situation for this equipment, provision may be made to position each sub-assembly (Dl - D2) correctly on each of said vests by holding them in position with straps with fasteners fast hook-and-loop or other. There may, in particular, be provided a plate (24) supporting one of the subassemblies to facilitate prepositioning.

A variant of this device modifies the distribution of the starting point of the three conduits having the abovementioned coupling means. In the latter case, the slow high purge (2A) is the starting point (6a) of a male coupling end means (C), as well as of a female coupling end means (A ) located at the height and a little behind the left shoulder of the diver, as previously, while the high rapid purge (2B) is the starting point of a female coupling end means located to the right of the sternum of the diver on the diving suit.

Thus, the safety and backup device according to the invention is produced in the form of an arrangement of inexpensive means and of high reliability. All BCs can be equipped with the device with the two sub-assemblies. In the event of an incident, it is sufficient for the rescuer to ensure the connections of the sub-assembly (Dl) on his own vest and (D2) on the vest of the diver in difficulty to constitute a single complementary air distribution circuit. The rescuer can then match, from the equipment of his own stabilizing πlet, the sending of air simultaneously in the two vests, and its evacuation by purging, from the same pressure in the air chambers of both vests. The device, object of the invention, offers great safety of use by the rescuer by allowing him to keep his usual gestures for the various maneuvers allowing the gradual ascent to the surface on the one hand, and by giving him the possibility of detach one victim who has become uncontrollable and dangerous for the rescuer.

The device is integrated into the vests directly in the same way as the slow and fast purges when the vest is manufactured. It can also be added to existing vests by modifying and replacing the slow purge plug, or in a slightly different configuration, the slow purge plug for outputs A (female) and C (male), and the plug rapid purge valve for female outlet B.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, in the case of adding the device to an already existing vest and as a variant, it is proposed the possibility, in order to reduce the pipes circulating in an already loaded environment, to use two rings under the purges: a slow purge ring (top rear and left with a female plug immediately behind, and a plug for the male duct), and a quick purge ring at the top right for connection to a female type duct. This variant avoids crossing the pipes just in front of the regulator.

Claims

R E V E N D I C A T I O N S

-1- Safety device adaptable to buoyancy compensators and scuba diving suits, said vests being of the type including air chambers, purges, in particular a high slow purge (2A), a high fast purge (2B) and a low purge (2C), a pipe (5) forming part of the air circuit (4) called "DIRECT SYSTEM", one end of which has a member (7) in communication with a nozzle receiving air control means or purge, said end piece (7) being connected by a corrugated pipe (9) to the high purge (2A), each purge comprising a part forming a ring inserted and integral with the vest and a plug for sealing and sealing, characterized in that each stabilizing vest comprises from the drain (2 A) or other place in communication with the air chambers, a plug forming a plug arranged to allow the departure of three specific conduits, two of the conduits having means of feme coupling end the third conduit, a male coupling end means, and in that said device includes a connection of the two life jackets of a rescuer and a diver in difficulty by coupling the third conduit to the female ends arranged on the life jacket, with one of the pipes at the end of the diver in difficulty, in order to allow a uniform and simultaneous air distribution and circulation of the two life jackets or air evacuation from the control placed on the life jacket of the rescuer or diver in difficulty, and by the said rescuer. -2- Safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes for each vest subassemblies (Dl - D2) which are connected by one end to an air intake or purge of the vest concerned by a connection associated, and whose other end receives a means of coupling and male and female connection with a complementary female and male means disposed on the other vest.

-3- Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first conduit is oriented in the back part of the vest, the second conduit is positioned on the front part of said vest, said first and second conduits having female coupling means , the third conduit being free at its end with a male coupling means (C).

-4- Device according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that each sub-assembly comprises a flexible duct (6) allowing the passage and circulation of air with one end (6a) s' adapting to the socket of air or purging of the vest, or equivalent specific arrangement in one of the pockets of the vest, the other end (6b) of said hose including the means for coupling and placing in communication the two flexible conduits of the two associated vests, and in that, in the absence of coupling, the flexible conduits are not in communication with the external environment, and in that, in a coupling situation, the air and communication circuit between the two vests is established. -5- Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the male-female coupling means are designed and arranged to allow in case of connection, the opening and continuity of connection of a circuit air distribution in the two vests, and in case of uncoupling, the closing and sealing of the parts of said circuit, the coupling connection being temporary.

-6- Device according to claim 5, characterized in that each male-female coupling part includes a ring (10) profiled with a central flange (10a) with on one side a cylindrical seat on which is fitted the end of the flexible duct and, on the other side, a cylindrical seat (10c) receiving in fixing a profiled sleeve (11) (15) having a complementary part (ia) (15a) for fixing and a front part (11b) ( 15b) of clearance allowing, after installation, the delimitation of an interior chamber (Cl - C2), and in that the ring (10) has internally a shouldered cavity (10e) allowing the positioning of a piston (11 ) associated with a return means (12), and in that, in a situation of non-solicitation and of non-contact with the piston of the other coupling part, said piston comes by relaxation of the return means with sealing against front face of the sleeve (11-15), and in that, in the non-stressed phase ation, the piston head protrudes from the transverse end plane of the sleeves (11-15), and in that said sleeves (11-15) are arranged so as to be able to temporarily couple with quick assembly with tightness to allow opening of the air distribution circuit according to a single and continuous connection. -7- Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the piston (12) has at the rear a head (12a), a flange (12b) with circular groove for receiving a seal (14) penetrating into the groove (ld) formed on the sleeve, said return means having one end (13a) bearing against the rear face of said collar of the piston, and the other end bearing against the seat part ( 10e) of the shoulder cavity.

-8- Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the sleeve (15) has in its front part an extension (15a) with elastic capacity of deformation adjusting on this sleeve (11), said sleeve (15) having end an inner bead (15b) projecting snapping behind an O-ring (14b) disposed on the sleeve (11), and in that another O-ring (16) is disposed from the front face of the one of the sleeves (11-15) to ensure watertightness after coupling.

-9- Device according to claim 6, characterized in that it includes two sleeves (17) of identical shape with a rear portion (17a) integral with rings (10), said sleeves including on the front end face (17b) a central opening (17c) for the passage of the piston heads, as well as a groove (17d) formed internally on the front face for the reception of seal (14a), and in that two bodies (18-19) are arranged around the subassemblies formed by receiving complementary magnetization means, a seal (21) being disposed on the front face of a sleeve (17) to ensure sealing with the other sleeve. -10- Device according to claim 6, characterized in that conical bodies (22-23) are arranged and integral around the sleeves (11) having conical male-female nesting profiles (22a-23a), the body (22) having in high relief a half O-ring (22b), the other body (23) having at the end a return (23b) for retaining and blocking the two engaged bodies.

-11- Device according to claim 1, adapting to a buoyancy compensator or diving suit of the type comprising a wall integrating directly at the drain a ring (the) threaded receiving the drain plug (2) arranged with a part complementary threaded (2.1), characterized in that it includes a specific fitting (24) from which the outlets of the specific pipes and that of the corrugated pipe will be provided, and in that said fitting (24) has a cylindrical lower span and threaded (24a) fitting on the ring (le), and an upper bearing (24b) of larger diameter, internally threaded to receive and authorize the fixing and connection of the purge button, and in that the conduit outlets are arranged radially on this fitting.