Surgery – Respiratory method or device – Including body or head supported means covering user's scalp
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-04
2001-01-09
Weiss, John G. (Department: 3761)
Surgery
Respiratory method or device
Including body or head supported means covering user's scalp
C128S201110, C128S204260, C128S205220
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170483
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is in the field of apparatus making it possible to stay temporarily underwater and relates more particularly to self-contained diving equipment.
To allow a swimmer to explore the deep sea, the idea of using a tube connecting his nose or his mouth to the open air has long been in existence. For example, snorkels are known in which one end is integral with a mouthpiece and in which the other end comprises a bent tube whose opening can be obstructed by a ping-pong ball when this end crosses the level of the water. The swimmer then moves about while holding his breath, that is to say he stops breathing, and his stay under the water is limited by his lung capacity, since he can no longer supply himself with air.
On the other hand, diving apparatus is known in which the diver can be supplied from compressed air cylinders, the disadvantage being considerable weight and the need to refill the cylinders in a special-purpose station.
The present invention proposes to combine these two types of apparatus so as to enable a swimmer to move around equally well at the surface or at a shallow depth, while breathing continuously in the same way, by virtue of a nozzle allowing the supply of air, whether the swimmer is at the surface of the water or submerged.
When the swimmer is travelling at the surface, means for refilling a compressed air tank are provided so as to increase the duration of underwater observation, the weight of the apparatus remaining limited.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The proposed equipment enables swimmers and holiday makers to move around in the water in complete safety after very simple introductory training in the operation of the equipment. They will thus be able to learn about underwater life without, however, having to obtain a diver's license beforehand. The equipment according to the invention is therefore particularly simple and moreover free of danger since it comprises a limiter which hampers respiration once a predetermined depth is reached.
According to the invention, the self-contained diving equipment comprises a compressed air tank connected by a flexible air tube to a breathing nozzle, at least one external air intake connected by a tube to the breathing nozzle and ensuring the direct admission of surface air when this intake is not submerged, an injector provided with means for opening or closing the air tube coming from the tank and means for closing or opening the air tube coming from the external air intake, means for refilling the compressed air tank which are able to supply the tank when the diver is at the surface and to interrupt the supply during submersion, and by means for controlling the starting and stopping of said refilling.
In a preferred embodiment, the equipment moreover comprises a depth limiter associated with a depth sensor.
Preferably, all these components are held on the user's back by virtue of a jacket or straps which can also comprise an enclosure which can be inflated if need be in order to raise the swimmer.
In one embodiment, the means for refilling the tank comprise a motor supplied from batteries and driving a compressor connected to an external air intake. It is possible to provide a moisture removal device between the compressor and the tank and also an active carbon filter.
The control means comprise a moisture detector making it possible to check whether the compressor is in the water so that it enjoys good cooling.
The appended drawing represents, by way of example, an embodiment of the subject of the present invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2488261 (1949-11-01), Bedini
patent: 3710553 (1973-01-01), Parker et al.
patent: 4380232 (1983-04-01), Doyle
patent: 5117817 (1992-06-01), Lin
patent: 5506571 (1996-04-01), Dugan
patent: 91/02677 (1991-03-01), None
New Scaph Technology S.A.
Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen, LLP
Weiss John G.
Weiss, Jr. Joseph F.
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