WO2017085475A1

WO2017085475A1 - Underwater apparatus and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2017085475A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/053571
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stuart Lomax
Original assignee: Innorian Research & Development Ltd
Priority date: 2015-11-16
Filing date: 2016-11-16
Publication date: 2017-05-26
Also published as: GB201520162D0; GB2558155B; GB201807613D0; GB2558155A

Abstract

A user worn system is provided where the user can view and explore under a body of liquid without being tethered to a supply vessel or boat. The system includes a unit typically in the form of a helmet (4) to be worn at least partially around the head and air and/or gas is supplied to a cavity in the same in which the user's nose and/or mouth is located, from above the surface of the body of liquid via tube means (16) and a compressor (12). The compressor is provided with the unit and a floatation device is provided to ensure that the tube means inlet is located above the surface of the body of liquid.

Description

Underwater Apparatus and Method of Use Thereof

The present invention relates to an apparatus, and method of using the same, said apparatus enabling a user to breathe whilst at least partially submerged underwater and preferably be able to observe the external environment while wearing the apparatus .

Although the following description refers primarily to an apparatus for use underwater, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention could be used to provide air from above the surface to a user at least partially submerged in other fluids or gasses and is not limited to breathing underwater.

The provision of air or gas mixture, hereinafter referred to as air in a non-limiting manner, from above the surface of the water to a diver or other such person submerged underwater is known. Conventionally the user wears a helmet that substantially encloses the head and an air-line connects the helmet to a boat or other floating structure, such as a raft or pontoon, on which a compressor is situated in order to pump air from above the surface into a cavity in the helmet in which the user's head is located so that the user can breathe whilst their head is below the surface of the water.

One disadvantage of conventional systems for the provision of surface air to divers is that the diver cannot travel far from the boat or raft because of the finite length of the connecting airline. A further disadvantage is that additional persons or crew are required to be present above the surface, such as on-board the boat or pontoon, to ensure that the boat does not drift out of range of the user under the water, or vice versa, and/or to control the compressor operation. It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an apparatus that addresses the abovementioned problems and provides greater flexibility to the user of the apparatus. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method that addresses the abovementioned problems.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide an underwater breathing system that can be relatively easily usable so as to allow the use of the same by relatively unskilled persons and children.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for the provision of air and/or gas to a user when located at least partially submerged in a body of liquid, said apparatus including a unit to be worn at least partially around the head, said unit including a cavity in which the user's nose and/or mouth are located, said cavity connected to a tube means for the provision of air and/or gas from a location above the surface of said body of liquid to said unit, wherein said apparatus further includes a compressor to compress the air and/or gas provided from the tube means and the compressor is located with the unit when worn.

Typically the head unit and compressor are provided to be operable when submerged in the body of liquid when in use.

Thus the user is able to obtain a supply of air and/or gas at least whilst submerged and is not required to be tethered to a nearby boat, or other such floating structure, and is able to explore the underwater environment at will. The head unit at least partially covers the user's mouth and/or nose in use. Typically the head unit is a mask or helmet and preferably the helmet covers the users head.

In one embodiment at least part of the head unit is transparent to allow the wearer of the head unit to view the external environment therethrough.

In one embodiment the head unit has a collar portion. Typically the collar portion provides an interface between the helmet and the user's body, swimwear, wetsuit and/or the like.

In one embodiment the compressor and/or a power source for the same are attached to the head unit. Typically the compressor and/or power source are attached to or otherwise associated with the collar portion.

Further typically the compressor includes, or is, a pump to transport or otherwise move air and/or gas along the tube means from the surface and supply the same to the head unit.

In one embodiment, the compressor provides air in a range of 1 - 10 psi. Typically the head unit contains a positive pressure of air in use. In one embodiment the compressor supplies air continuously or alternatively the compressor supplies air periodically. In one embodiment the compressor supplies air at, or substantially around, 3 psi. Typically the compressor supplies air at around 3 psi above the surrounding water pressure.

In one embodiment the head unit provides a housing to accommodate at least part of the users head and the compressor. Typically the compressor is located in a different part and/or compartment of the housing than the user's head. In one embodiment the power source and/or compressor is detachably attached to, or otherwise removable from, the collar portion.

In a preferred embodiment the power source is one or more batteries, typically provide as part of a battery pack which my in one embodiment, be rechargeable.

In one embodiment the power source and/or the compressor act as ballast to counter the buoyancy of the air and/or gas filled head unit in use.

Typically the tube means is connected to the head unit at a first end and spaced therefrom and, typically at or adjacent to the second opposing end of the tube means, there is located an inlet for the introduction of air and/or gas.

Typically said inlet is located above the surface of the body of liquid in use.

In one embodiment at or towards the second end of the tube means there is provided a float means. Typically the float means prevents at least the distal end from sinking in use and/or orientates the same such that the portion of the air tube in which the inlet is provided floats and/or is substantially above the surface of the body of liquid in use.

Typically the float will also support the submerged weight of the helmet in the event of user evacuation therefrom or removal of the apparatus from the user.

In one embodiment the float means forms at least part of a ring, collar and/or the like around part of the tube to keep the inlet at spaced distance above the surface of the water. In one embodiment the float means includes one or more indication means to indicate the location of the user and/or that there is a diver in the body of liquid. Typically the indication means includes any, or any combination, of lights, flags, bells, buoys and/or the like.

In one embodiment the tube means includes one or more valve means. Typically the valve means prevents water from entering the tube means.

In one embodiment the tube means includes a ball valve downstream of the inlet with respect to the direction of supply of air or gas to the head unit to prevent significant amounts of water entering the head unit in the event the inlet is submerged.

In one embodiment the tube means valve is in the form of at least one flap to prevent the ingress or water down the tube means.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes an alarm which is fitted to inform the user if there is liquid ingress and/or if the valve has closed.

In one embodiment the tube means includes floating or floatable material. In one embodiment the tube means is substantially constructed from material that is less dense than water and therefore floats.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes one or more vents, apertures, holes and/or the like. Typically the head unit includes an aperture for the exit or escape of air. Further typically the compressor supplies air to the head unit substantially at a positive pressure or a pressure higher than the surrounding water pressure. As such, a relatively steady stream of air escapes from the air exit apertures in use.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes one or more vents or apertures for the exit or escape of carbon dioxide (C0₂) . Preferably the one or more carbon dioxide vents are located substantially below the air exit apertures.

In one embodiment the proximate end of the tube means supplies air to the helmet at a location substantially between and/or intermediate the air apertures and carbon dioxide vents.

Typically any build-up of C0₂ from the user's respiration may accumulate towards the bottom of the helmet, therefore the positive pressure of air forces out any accumulation of the heavier gas .

In one embodiment the carbon dioxide vents are substantially formed in the collar portion.

In one embodiment the compressor operation can be controlled by the user using control means provided as part of the apparatus which is worn.

In one embodiment the control means includes the provision of status information relating to the apparatus and/or the depth of the user in the body of water at that time.

In one embodiment the compressor and a power source for the same are attached to the head unit.

In one embodiment at least a housing for the compressor and/or power source is formed integrally with the unit. In one embodiment the compressor is located downstream of the inlet end of the tube means so as to pressurise the air and/or gas from the tube means prior to the same entering the cavity of the unit.

Typically the outlet of the tube means enters the compressor and air leaves from the compressor into the cavity via another tube means portion, or directly.

In one embodiment the inlet end of the tube means is connected to a gas supply and/or is exposed to the environment above the surface of the body of liquid.

Typically, the compressor serves to draw air along the tube means towards the same and then into the cavity within the unit.

Typically at least one filter is provided intermediate the cavity and the air and/or gas supply.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes engagement means to engage the unit with the user and locate the unit with respect to the users head such that the nose and/or mouth of the user are located in a cavity in the unit to which the air and/or gas is supplied.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an underwater breathing system comprising a unit in the form of a helmet and with which is provided a compressor means, wherein air and/ or gas is transported substantially from above a surface of a body of liquid to the head unit and compressor via a tube means to allow the air and/or gas to be supplied into a cavity in the helmet in which the users nose and/or mouth are located. In a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of supplying air and/or gas to a person at least partially submerged in a body of liquid, said method including the steps of providing the user with a unit to be worn at least partially around the head, an air and/or gas supply tube means and a compressor, wherein the compressor is located with the unit in use and draws air and/or gas into a cavity defined within the unit and in which the users mouth and /or nose is located, from the inlet of the tube means, said inlet located above the surface of the body of liquid.

A specific embodiment of the invention is now described with reference to the following figures wherein

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of an apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

The present invention provides a way for a user or diver to explore the underwater environment without being tethered to a boat or raft and without have to resort to self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of such an apparatus 2. The apparatus includes a head unit or helmet 4 that comprises a domed wall 5 that defines a cavity 6, within which the users head 8 is located and substantially surrounds the user's head 8, and a collar 10 depends downwardly from the dome and is located on the user's shoulders.

Attached to the helmet 4, on the collar 10 in this example, is an electrically powered compressor or pump 12. The power for the pump is provided from a battery pack 14, in this example also situated on the collar 10. One advantage of having either or both the compressor and batteries located on the collar is that the weight of the same provides ballast to combat the buoyancy of the helmet 4.

Air is supplied to the user via a tube means or umbilical line 16 from the surface 18 of a body of liquid 19 such as the sea, lake, swimming pool or river. The inlet distal end 21 of the tube is kept out of the water by a floatation device 20 usually formed of a relatively light material less dense than water such as foamed plastics material and/or the like and in one embodiment can move along the surface following the movement of the user when wearing the helmet 4. This therefore means that the location of the user is not tied to a boat or pontoon. The tube means 16 is equipped with one or more valves or fittings to prevent water going down the tube means from the inlet 21 to the compressor 12 and into the cavity 6 which otherwise could occur, if for example, the end 21 of the tube is submerged or pulled into the body of water 19 for some reason. In this example the end 21 of the tube includes a flap 28 which closes when the tube end is submerged to prevent the ingress of water, although a relatively small amount of water could be dealt with by the compressor 12.

The compressor 12, in this example, draws air down the tube means 16 from the inlet 21 and pushes the same into the helmet at a point 26 in the cavity 6, usually at a pressure of at or between 1 -10 psi. A positive pressure is maintained in the cavity 6 of the helmet 4 to keep out and thereby prevent the ingress of water into the same. An air exit aperture 22 is provided to allow excess air to escape from the cavity and ensure a flow of a supply of clean fresh air to the user from the compressor and through the cavity 6.

A carbon dioxide vent 24 is provided below the air exit aperture 22 to allow the removal of any build of carbon dioxide due to respir tion. As C0₂ is relatively heavier that the other constituent gasses in air, the vent 24 is positioned below the air exit aperture and air inlet 26. The positive or differential pressure of the air introduced forces out any accumulation of C0₂, through the vent 24.

Thus, an underwater system is provided where the user can view and explore the external environment through one or more transparent window areas 28 which can be of any suitable form with the user not being required to be located or tethered to a supply vessel or boat as the helmet 4 and the compressor 12 are co-located. The user can dive or travel as deep as the length of the umbilical tube 16 will allow, although it is envisaged that the apparatus will most typically be used for relatively shallow dives. The fitting arrangement at the collar 10 and the shoulders and neck of the user is provided so as to allow a substantially water tight seal to be provided at the interface 30 between the collar 10 and the neck and shoulders 32 of the user 34 to prevent excessive flow of liquid into the cavity 6 in which the users head 8 is located.

Claims

1. Apparatus for the provision of air and/or gas to a user when located at least partially submerged in a body of liquid, said apparatus including a unit to be worn at least partially around the head, said unit including a cavity in which the user's nose and/or mouth are located, said cavity connected to a tube means for the provision of air and/or gas from a location above the surface of said body of liquid to said unit, wherein said apparatus further includes a compressor to compress the air and/or gas provided from the tube means and the compressor is located with the unit when worn.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the user receives the supply of air and/or gas whilst submerged and remotely from any floating structure.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the unit encloses the user's mouth and/or nose in a cavity of the unit into which the air and/or gas is supplied.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the unit is provided in the form of a mask or helmet.

5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein at least part of the unit wall is transparent at least adjacent to the location of the user's eyes when the unit is worn.

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the unit includes a collar portion which acts as an interface between the unit and the user's body directly or via swimwear, wetsuit, drysuit and/or the like.

7 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein at or towards the inlet end of the tube means there is provided a floatation device to retain at least the inlet end of the tube means above the surface of the body of liquid.

8 Apparatus according to claim 7 where the floatation device and/or further floatation devices support the submerged weight of the unit and compressor in the event of user evacuation therefrom or removal of the same.

9 Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the floatation device forms at least part of a ring, collar and/or the like around part of the tube means.

10 Apparatus according to any of the claims 7-9 wherein the floatation device includes indication means to indicate the location of the user and/or that there is a user in the body of liquid at that time.

1 1. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the tube means includes at least one valve to prevent liquid from moving along the tube means to the outlet therefrom.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the valve is a ball valve or a flap positioned downstream of the inlet with respect to the direction of supply of air or gas to the unit and to prevent liquid entering the unit.

13 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein an alarm is provided to be activated to inform the user if there is liquid ingress along the tube means and/or if the valve has closed.

14 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the tube means is substantially constructed from material that is less dense than water and at least partially floats .

15 Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the unit includes at least one air exit aperture to allow the exit or escape of supplied air and/or gas from the cavity formed therein.

16 Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the air and/or gas supplied into the cavity formed in the unit is supplied at a pressure which is greater than the pressure of the liquid surrounding the unit.

17 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the unit includes at least one vent for the exit of carbon dioxide (C02) from the cavity of the unit.

18 Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the said at least one vent for the exit of C02 is located below the at least one air exit aperture when the unit is worn.

19 Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the air and/or gas is supplied into the cavity in the unit at a location substantially between and/or intermediate the air /gas exit aperture and C02 vent.

20 Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the at least one C02 vent is formed in a collar portion of the unit.

21. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein control means are provided to allow the user control of the compressor operation.

22. Apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the control means receive data from instruments relating to the status of the apparatus and/or the depth of the user in the body of water at that time when wearing the unit.

23. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the compressor and a power source for the same are attached to the unit.

24 Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein at least a housing for the compressor and/or power source is formed integrally with the unit.

25 Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the compressor is located downstream of the inlet end of the tube means so as to pressurise the air and/or gas from the tube means prior to the same entering the cavity of the unit.

26 Apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the outlet of the tube means enters the compressor and air leaves from the compressor into the cavity via another tube means portion, or directly.

27 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the inlet end of the tube means is connected to a gas supply and/or is exposed to the environment above the surface of the body of liquid.

28 Apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the compressor serves to draw air along the tube means towards the same and then into the cavity within the unit.

29. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one filter is provided intermediate the cavity and the air and/or gas supply.

30 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the unit includes engagement means to engage the unit with the user and locate the unit with respect to the users head such that the nose and/or mouth of the user are located in a cavity in the unit to which the air and/or gas is supplied.

31. An underwater breathing system comprising a unit in the form of a helmet and with which is provided a compressor means, wherein air and/or gas is transported substantially from above a surface of a body of liquid to the head unit and compressor via a tube means to allow the air and/or gas to be supplied into a cavity in the helmet in which the users nose and/ or mouth are located.

32. A method of supplying air and/or gas to a person at least partially submerged in a body of liquid, said method including the steps of providing the user with a unit to be worn at least partially around the head, an air and/or gas supply tube means and a compressor, wherein the compressor is located with the unit in use and draws air and/or gas into a cavity defined within the unit and in which the users mouth and /or nose is located, from the inlet of the tube means, said inlet located above the surface of the body of liquid.